Your dentist would not expect you to take the discovery of a cavity as welcome news. That being said, you can enjoy effective – and discreet – care when you have a dental filling to restore your tooth. Before placing the filling, your dentist removes infected enamel, and cleans the area where the cavity formed. To make up for the loss of tooth structure, composite resin is applied, to re-fill the area. Composite resin looks enough like your enamel for it to blend with your tooth, and your smile. Your dentist can even ensure that the color of the resin is tinted to match the surrounding tooth.
Why A Cavity Should Receive Prompt Care
Prompt care for your cavity is important, because leaving the problem unaddressed can allow decay to worsen. If enough time is allowed to pass, a cavity can allow bacteria to enter your tooth’s pulp, which can cause real discomfort. At this point, a filling will not satisfy the needs of your tooth. You will instead require a root canal treatment. Remember that your tooth is not able to regrow what is lost to a cavity. Responding sooner means preventing more of your enamel from being destroyed.
What Happens If My Cavity Is Too Big For A Filling To Work?
If you have a cavity that has grown large, or if you needed a root canal to stop your decay, you will need a dental crown. The type of crown you receive can depend on which tooth needs its support. If you need a restoration for a tooth in a more visible area, zirconia and porcelain offer lifelike support. Metal crowns can be preferred for your back teeth, which endure more stress.
