If a cavity forms, it will be necessary to see your dentist for the appropriate restorative treatment. The procedure used to deal with decay will see the damaged portion of the tooth removed before a permanent dental filling or dental crown is placed. The choice to use one restoration or the other will depend on how large the cavity is, and how much support you require to keep that tooth safe. With both options, we are able to restore teeth without changing the way that they look. This can ensure that a cavity that forms on one of your front teeth does not lead to an unwelcome change in your smile. At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, we are prepared to address dental decay, and we can also provide preventive services to help you avoid future problems with your oral health.
When A Dental Restoration Is Called For
A dental restoration is always used during cavity treatment, because the damage from decay is permanent. To address the loss of your enamel, we can use a filling or crown to restore the look of your tooth and defend it against a possible infection. Crowns are also used to restore teeth that have been chipped or cracked, as physical trauma can also lead to permanent damages.
Will You Need A Dental Filling Or Dental Crown?
The type of restoration used during your treatment will depend on just how large a cavity has grown, and how much support your tooth is going to need after treatment is complete. Fillings are the more conservative treatment option. The filling will be applied directly to the site where decay occurred. For a back tooth, we may recommend an amalgam filling, which provides more durability. A tooth-colored filling can be used instead if you worry that people will be able to see the restoration. For larger cavities, we offer crowns made from different materials, including substances that look like healthy enamel.
Your Dentist Can Help You Avoid Future Oral Health Problems
In addition to helping you when you have a problem with tooth decay, your dentist can help you avoid another situation where restorative dentistry is needed. At every routine dental exam, you have your smile carefully checked and cleaned. The evaluation will reveal if there are any oral health issues that call for treatment. The cleaning, provided by your hygienist, will remove tartar deposits that create a risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
Our Ankeny, IA Dentist’s Office Can Restore Your Smile With A Filling Or Crown
At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, individuals who worry about the effects of a cavity can schedule treatment with a dental filling or dental crown. To find out more about how we can help you, contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230.
