The formation of a cavity is a serious problem. If nothing is done in time, bacteria will eventually work their way inside your tooth to attack the living tissues housed in your pulp. Even if the problem is identified and addressed in a timely manner, the harm to your enamel will be permanent. To address this damage, your dentist will need to place either a dental filling or dental crown to restore your tooth. At our Columbia, TN dentist's office, we can make sure that your cavity trouble is addressed before there are complications, and we can provide treatment that keeps your tooth safe! To avoid advanced decay, make sure you attend regular dental exams. At these appointments, decay can actually be caught and treated before an internal infection develops.
Cavities Do Permanent Harm To Your Tooth Structure
A good oral hygiene routine is important, as your daily efforts to avoid cavities will keep you safe against permanent damage to your enamel. Once a cavity forms, you will not be able to heal naturally from it, meaning you will not grow back the tooth structure lost to decay. After clearing away bacteria and infected tissues, your dentist will need to address this loss of material by putting a restoration in place. Restorations offer protection against infection, and they give your tooth structural support so that you can continue to bite and chew without difficulties.
What Kind Of Restoration Will I Need For My Cavity Treatment?
Both dental fillings and dental crowns are used to restore patients' teeth when they have problems with cavities. If your problem is identified in time, a filling can be used. Fillings only occupy the space where a cavity formed, which means the surrounding enamel is left untouched during treatment. While many materials like gold and metal are used to create fillings, our practice prefers to use composite resin, as this substance can imitate your healthy tooth structure. When a cavity does too much harm to your tooth to make a filling effective, we will have to cap the tooth with a custom dental crown. Once placed, you should be able to count on a crown to provide bite support and protection for your tooth for many years.
How Checkups Help You Avoid Advanced Tooth Decay
If a cavity is capable of doing permanent harm to your tooth, you should have little problem realizing when one forms...right? It is possible for you to have a problem with decay and not realize it, which means the cavity will continue to grow and do more harm to your tooth. Fortunately, small cavities can be identified during checkups, so they can be treated while they have only done limited harm to your enamel. Checkups also help you avoid problems with decay, because each visit includes a teeth cleaning that removes plaque and tartar deposits that contribute to your risk for oral health issues.
Schedule Cavity Treatment At Creekside Family Dentistry!
Creekside Family Dentistry in Columbia, TN is prepared to address your troubles with tooth decay. Our practice is ready to address this issue and more, so we can help you maintain an attractive and healthy smile. We also provide preventive and cosmetic services! To find out more about our office and different services, call Creekside Family Dentistry at 931-388-3384.