Good As New: Modern Treatments for Cavities
At Chrisman & Wyse Cosmetic & General Dentistry, we offer a comprehensive range of treatments designed to restore optimal form, function, and health to the mouth. Whether you are in need of exceptional cosmetic services or state-of-the-art restorative dentistry, our experienced dental team can customize your treatment to meet your unique needs and goals. While you might expect this level of care for such high-profile procedures as teeth whitening and cosmetic bonding, we provide individual attention and customized care for every procedure we perform, including treatment for cavities at our Bloomington practice.
Beautiful smiles are built on healthy teeth and gums, and cavities continue to be enemy number one when it comes to threatening the foundation of good oral health. If left untreated, a cavity can lead to a root canal infection, which can ultimately result in the death of the tooth. While root canal therapy can be performed to salvage the tooth, and there are numerous excellent options to restore the smile if the tooth is lost, it is far preferable - and certainly less painful and more cost-effective - to treat a cavity before it has the opportunity to cause such damage.
Treatment Options for Cavities
Simply put, cavities are holes or crevices that develop in the teeth when the enamel that protects the teeth becomes worn down. Before the damaged tooth can be restored, the portion of the tooth affected by the cavity must first be removed. This is done to prevent decay from spreading.
After the damaged tooth structure has been removed, the tooth is restored using one of the following methods, depending on the amount of healthy tooth left intact:
- Tooth-colored fillings: Unlike their silver amalgam counterparts, tooth-colored fillings are entirely metal free and blend inconspicuously into virtually any smile. Composed of a composite resin material, they can be used when there is minimal damage to a tooth.
- Inlays and onlays: Inlays and onlays are porcelain restorations that are customized to fit precisely in the areas once occupied by the missing tooth material. The only difference between the two types of restorations involves the extent of damage they treat. Inlays replace missing tooth matter only within the cusps, or the protrusions, at the top of a tooth. Onlays, on the other hand, cover at least one of the cusps. Both inlays and onlays are bonded permanently into place and are extremely strong and durable.
- Dental crowns: In some cases, cavities are so large that the remaining tooth structure cannot support a filling, inlay, or onlay. In such cases, the entire tooth must be covered with a dental crown. Modern dental crowns are crafted from the finest materials to resemble a natural tooth down to the smallest detail. However, they are also strong enough to withstand the rigors of everyday biting and chewing. Furthermore, they protect the natural tooth from further damage.
Learn More about Treatments for Cavities
If you would like to learn more about treatments for cavities, or you want to schedule your initial consultation with one of our esteemed dentists, we encourage you to contact Chrisman & Wyse Cosmetic & General Dentistry today.