Fix Cavities
Dental decay is incredibly common and can be treated with minimal cost and effort if it is caught early. It is possible to have a cavity without any symptoms so it is important to see your dentist regularly and allow them to shake necessary check up x-rays once a year. Dental x-rays do not emit much radiation so they are safe!
During your routine professional cleaning, your dentist will examine your teeth using instruments to help them identify any decay on your teeth. The instruments help them feel soft spots in your enamel and you may hear them say “that’s a little sticky!” which simply means, sadly, you may have a cavity. X-rays will help your dentist identify areas of decay especially between your teeth that they cannot see or poke with their instrument. It is important to disclose any discomfort or sensitivity you have noticed in your teeth during your cleaning so your hygienist can be sure to notify your dentist during the exam.
Cavities do not fix themselves so it is important to receive treatment as soon as possible to prevent further spread and a more costly treatment. Decay can spread to other teeth so even if you feel that the cavity is small and you do not have any pain, having the cavity fixed ASAP is very important!
How is a cavity fixed?
The method of treatment your dentist chooses to use will depend on the extent of decay. Small cavities can usually be fixed with a simple filling whereas larger areas of decay may require a porcelain crown. Let’s take a look at some other options for fixing a cavity.
Tooth Colored Restoration
A composite filling is used to restore small areas of decay. Your dentist will numb the area being treated and drill out the decay before filling the space with a composite material that is tinted to match your tooth. An ultraviolet light is then used to cure the material. Your dentist will check your bite to make sure the filling fits properly and then smooth and polish the filling.
Porcelain Onlay
An onlay may be used to fix a large cavity in the occlusal surface of your molars and premolars. The occlusal surface is the chewing surface of your back teeth. Onlays are only used on the back teeth.
Dental Crowns
When tooth decay is extensive and cannot be fixed with a simple filling, a porcelain crown can be used to save the tooth. A crown fits over the entire exposed surface of a tooth, including all sides. Most patients prefer to have a crown that matches their teeth so porcelain is the most common material used. Gold and other models can also be used which are significantly stronger and more durable but cannot be made to match the color of your teeth. Porcelain fused to metal gives patients the best of both worlds. A metal crown with a porcelain coating can be used where appropriate. If you have to have a root canal or a tooth has fractured, a crown is often placed to save the tooth.
Extraction
If a tooth is decayed beyond repair or has fractured so severely it cannot be saved with a crown, your dentist may advise that you have the tooth extracted and have a dental implant or bridge placed.