How Winter Illnesses Affect Tooth Health
It's everyone's least favorite part about this time of year. No, not the cold weather; we're talking about the cold season. As the temperatures drop and the winter season sets...
Cavities are one of the most common dental issues that can occur. They happen when bacteria in the mouth produce acid that erodes away tooth enamel, creating a hole or decay. If untreated, cavities can cause pain, infection, and, eventually, tooth loss.
You might be surprised to learn that there are actually several effective treatment options available for cavities. Here’s what you need to know about three common cavity treatments.
Fillings
Fillings are the most common and conservative treatment for cavities. Getting a filling involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling the hole with a durable, tooth-colored material. Here’s what you can expect from the filling process:
What is Getting a Filling Like?
Your dentist will start the process by administering a local anesthetic to numb the area around the problem tooth so you don’t feel any pain or discomfort. Next, we will remove the decayed portion of the tooth. They will carefully clean out the cavity to ensure that all the damaged material is gone and the tooth is ready for the filling. Lastly, we fill the cavity with a tooth-colored composite resin material. This is shaped and polished the filling to ensure a seamless, natural-looking finish that blends in with your surrounding teeth.
Why Fillings?
Fillings are a great option for most cavities. A filling can usually be completed in one office visit and doesn’t require any special aftercare beyond good oral hygiene habits.
Crowns
If your cavity is large or has reached very deeply into your tooth, a filling may not be enough to repair the damage. In these cases, we may recommend a dental crown. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over the entire visible portion of your tooth. It both protects your tooth from further damage and restores its shape and appearance.
Getting a Crown
Like a filling, this procedure starts with numbing the area and removing any decayed or damaged material from the tooth. We will then shape the tooth to make room for the crown. Next, we take a digital scan of your prepared tooth to create a precise model for your crown. Thanks to new CEREC technology, your permanent crown can be fabricated and placed in a single visit.
Why a Dental Crown?
Crowns are a more extensive treatment than fillings and may be a better option for badly damaged teeth. With proper care, a crown can last for many, many years or even decades.
Tooth Extraction
In some cases, a cavity may be so severe that the tooth cannot be saved with a filling or crown. If the decay has reached the tooth’s root or the tooth is badly broken, your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction.
About Tooth Extraction
Again, we use a local anesthetic to numb the area. In some cases, we may also offer sedation options to help you relax during the procedure.
Using special instruments, your tooth is gently loosed from its socket and carefully removed. After the tooth is removed, we may use gauze or stitches to stop any bleeding. You’ll be given detailed instructions for caring for the extraction site and managing any discomfort in the following days.
Why Tooth Extraction?
While tooth extraction is never the first choice, it’s sometimes necessary to prevent the spread of infection and protect your overall oral health. After an extraction, your dentist will discuss your options for replacing the missing tooth, such as a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture.
Don’t Wait to Treat Your Cavity
If you suspect you have a cavity, don’t ignore it! The sooner you seek treatment, the more likely you are to save your tooth and avoid more extensive (and expensive) procedures.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
