How much trouble will you really have if you put off a cavity treatment? Unfortunately, waiting to arrange restorative dental work can lead to problems, as a cavity will keep growing and doing more harm to your tooth structure. At our Ankeny, IA dental office, we can evaluate you to see what kind of restoration your tooth requires. When a cavity is caught in time, a tooth can be fully restored after treatment with a dental filling. Larger cavities require treatment with dental crowns. Crowns cover a tooth and require more preparatory work to be successfully put in place. With that said, they provide long-term support for vulnerable teeth, even when they have been damaged by a larger cavity.
A Cavity Will Keep Growing Until You Undergo Treatment
When we brush and floss, we fight the buildup of bacteria that can cause cavities to form. With good daily habits in place, you will be able to control your risk for the formation of a cavity and avoid the need for restorative treatment. Unfortunately, when a cavity has already formed, it will keep growing until it has been treated by your dentist. This is why it is a good idea to see your dentist as soon as possible when you think something may be wrong. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to have complications, and the more damage your tooth structure experiences.
How A Lifelike Dental Filling Or Dental Crown Can Restore Your Smile
Our practice is able to provide both dental fillings and dental crowns that imitate healthy tooth structure and preserve your smile after treatment. Dental fillings are the more conservative treatment option, one that we can recommend for smaller cavities. The tooth-colored material we apply to the damaged area will bond to your tooth and protect it from further harm or problems with infection. It will also provide enough structural support to let you continue biting and chewing without difficulty. A dental crown requires more preparatory work, as your restoration must be placed over the tooth without interfering with its neighbors. The good news is that a dental crown can protect a tooth affected by advanced decay, allowing you to both keep your tooth and maintain a natural and comfortable bite.
We Can Also Help You Prevent Problems With Cavities!
Regular dental exams help you stay on top of your oral health needs and avoid future problems with cavities. At these appointments, patients’ teeth are thoroughly cleaned so that both plaque and tartar buildup are removed. Tartar removal is particularly important because it is not a substance that you can remove on your own. During your time with your dentist, you can be warned about cavities that have recently formed, which means they can be treated before you experience complications.
Schedule Tooth Decay Treatment At Dental Impressions!
At our Ankeny, IA dental office, patients who need treatment for dental decay can receive fillings and crowns that both protect and imitate healthy enamel! To find out more, please contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.
