Try as you might, it’s very likely that you’ll develop a cavity or two throughout your lifetime. In fact, studies estimate that 91% of Americans over the age of 20 have experienced tooth decay, and 27% have untreated cavities. Not only does tooth decay tend to cause toothaches and sensitivity, but it can lead to much larger, more complicated, and more painful problems later if not addressed. Thankfully, treatments like dental fillings and crowns can restore the appearance, functionality and health of a smile suffering from decay quickly and easily. Read on as we break down the best ways to repair your pearly whites if you have a cavity.
Why Is It Important to Treat Cavities?
Your mouth is naturally brimming with oral bacteria that are normally kept in check by brushing and flossing. However, when the bacteria feed on the sugars in the foods you eat, they produce acid. This destructive substance is strong enough to burn through your enamel. As more acid accumulates and the damage grows larger, a cavity is formed.
Your enamel protects the sensitive inner layers of your teeth. If it’s weakened by decay, the delicate dentin, pulp, and nerve of your tooth are left vulnerable to bacteria. Since your teeth can’t heal themselves like the rest of your body, there is no natural recourse to keep the issue from getting worse. Eventually, an untreated cavity can lead to a painfully infected tooth that needs root canal therapy or an extraction.
When Are Dental Fillings the Best Option?
When you think of cavity treatment, you probably think of a dental filling. Modern tooth-colored fillings utilize a composite resin to replace the damaged tooth structure. Composite resin bonds very well to enamel and can be shaded to match the color of your teeth. They’re typically used when:
- The decayed area is relatively small.
- There are no cracks in the decayed tooth.
- The tooth isn’t otherwise weakened or damaged.
When Should I Get a Dental Crown?
However, other cases of tooth decay may need to be addressed with a dental crown. This common restoration looks like a custom-made, tooth-shaped cap. It’s precisely designed to fit over the decayed tooth to fortify it and protect if from further damage. Dental crowns are best when:
- There’s a large amount of decay.
- The tooth is significantly weakened or cracked.
- The tooth is worn-down, stained, oddly shaped, or otherwise cosmetically flawed.
If you have a cavity, there’s no need to risk delaying your treatment! University Dental Group will be happy to help you determine which treatment can most effectively get you back to enjoying your happy, healthy smile!
About the Practice
University Dental Group has been serving the smiles of Worcester, MA for decades with high-quality and compassionate dentistry. We are proud to offer beautiful custom restorations such as fillings and dental crowns that are both incredibly lifelike and reliably durable. However, we always strive to help our patients prevent tooth decay in the first place with thorough biannual checkups and preventive care like fluoride treatments. If you or a loved one is dealing with a cavity, don’t hesitate to contact us online or at (508) 753-1911.