A toothache can be debilitating. From pain to fever to swelling to interruptions while eating and speaking, this is a dental problem that needs to be corrected and quickly. The sooner you see your dentist, the less likely you are to need an intense restoration. But, sometimes, the infection demands a certain kind of dental care to get you back to normal. Here are some of the most common ways to repair tooth decay and when these procedures are necessary.
1. Tooth-Colored Filling
The most common kind of dental care for a cavity, a tooth-colored filling is made of natural-looking composite material that blends right into your tooth enamel. This type of repair is best for teeth that have small- to medium-sized cavities and are not suffering from large amounts of decay. A tooth-colored filling is also preferable to silver fillings, not only aesthetically but for safety reasons. The materials in amalgam fillings are dangerous to your teeth and overall health. Tooth-colored fillings are safe and a quick repair.
2. Porcelain Crown
Teeth that have very large areas of tooth decay may not be able to sustain a tooth-colored filling. There needs to be enough tooth enamel to apply the composite material to, but if there isn’t enough then a porcelain crown is the next best solution. This customized cosmetic dentistry repair is also restorative and covers up a compromised tooth. Once the decay is drilled away, a crown is personalized in size, shape, and color and bonded to the treated tooth for a permanent restoration.
3. Root Canal Therapy
Some tooth decay, when not addressed right away, spreads into the depths of the tooth and turns into an infection. This affects the roots of a tooth and causes extreme pain and compromises the ability to bite and chew. In circumstances like this, the problem is no longer just about tooth decay, it’s about the wellness of your entire tooth from root to crown. With root canal therapy, pain is immediately eliminated and the canals are cleared out to remove the infection and filled to prevent further problems. A porcelain crown is later added to the tooth to protect it from any other complications.
4. Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is a last resort in every dental situation. No matter how severe your tooth decay your Red Bank dentist does everything possible to protect and save your natural tooth. Unfortunately, there are some circumstances that are too difficult to overcome and extraction is necessary. Should this be the case, you will also discuss how to replace that missing tooth, whether through a dental implant or dental bridge.
Fix Your Damaged Tooth in Red Bank
Tooth decay is a common oral health problem, and the solution for fixing it is just as common – but there are variations depending on the severity of your cavity. If you are experiencing any tooth pain or suspect decay, contact Red Bank Dentistry right away for an appointment. Don’t try to wait until your next teeth cleaning – get help now before the problem gets any bigger.
