If you practice good daily habits and see your dentist on a regular basis, you can reduce your risk for cavities that require professional treatment. However, even if you have few to no pressing concerns about tooth decay, it can be beneficial to know what treatment requires. Unfortunately, there is not a way for you to naturally regrow damaged enamel after a cavity forms. However, your Ankeny, IA dentist can restore your tooth with a lifelike dental restoration that preserves both the health and appearance of your tooth. To minimize the harm done by dental decay, be consistent with routine oral health exams. At these appointments, smaller cavities that are not yet painful can be identified and treated before more damage to your tooth structure occurs.
Will My Tooth Look Different After Cavity Treatment?
Because cavities do permanent damage to tooth enamel, they make the placement of dental restorations permanently necessary. Depending on the size of your cavity, you will receive either a dental filling or dental crown. We can provide both types of restorations without causing conspicuous smile changes. This is because both can be made with materials that imitate healthy tooth structure. In addition to giving your tooth cosmetic support, these restorations are able to provide functional support so that you can continue to bite and chew without difficulties.
Do I Need A Dental Filling, Or A Dental Crown?
After evaluating your tooth, your dentist will determine what type of restoration you need. Fillings are the more conservative treatment option, but one that can provide less support after a cavity. If decay does too much damage to your tooth structure, it will be necessary to provide a dental crown. When in place, both can provide long-term protection and give you confidence in your ability to bite and chew.
How Do I Avoid Future Problems With Cavities?
Regular dental checkups will provide important protection against future cavities. Regular teeth cleanings remove plaque and tartar deposits that make you vulnerable to problems with tooth decay and gum disease. These visits also lead to the detection of cavities earlier in their development, which will preserve more of your tooth structure. Make sure that you maintain good habits on a daily basis – brushing and flossing are both important, but you should also go further and take care to maintain a diet that keeps your enamel safe from harm.
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Scheduling Cavity Treatment
Through cavity treatment, your Ankeny, IA dentist can restore your tooth and help you maintain a healthy, natural bite function. If you have questions about our restorative services, or if you want to discuss any other matter related to your oral health, please contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.