Family Dentistry: How Are Cavities Fixed?

Cavities can become problematic if they aren’t taken care of soon enough. Thankfully, a general dentist working within family dentistry can help solve a cavity problem! Both children and adults experience cavities, whether it be from bad oral hygiene or poor diet. 

Being aware of how cavities are fixed can be helpful to someone who is expecting treatment. It is best to consult with a general or family dentist so that they can determine the best way to treat the cavity.

In this article, we discuss a few ways that cavities can be removed and repaired. Learn more about what family dentistry can do to reinstill good oral health.

Family dentistry: how are cavities fixed?

Below, we outline the different ways that a family or general dentist can remove and repair a cavity. This information may be useful to someone suffering from a decaying tooth. Read on to find out more!

Dental fillings

When cavities are relatively minor, they can almost always be treated through a dental filling. A dental filling appointment is quite simple -- the dentist will remove the decayed areas using a dental drill. Then, they will fill the tooth with a safe material that brings the tooth back to its normal shape and size.

The dental filling materials can vary based on desire and the dentist’s recommendation, but for the most part, they consist of ceramic or alloy metal materials. Each material is completely safe to the mouth and will ensure that the cavity doesn’t continue to worsen.

Dental crowns

Another common procedure that can fix cavities is the placement of a dental crown. These cap-shaped pieces are made of various materials such as porcelain, ceramic, gold, or other metal alloys. They completely go over a tooth to restore and renew it back to its original state.

Dental crowns are typically recommended to patients who have a more severe cavity. If a filling won’t be sufficient enough to repair the damage then a dental crown is likely able to. Because a dental crown covers the entire tooth, it is able to provide more durability than a filling may be able to, especially if there is a major amount of damage.

After the dental crown has been created in a lab, the dentist will remove the decayed portions of the natural tooth in preparation for dental crown placement. Using a drill, they will carefully discard any dying parts of the tooth. Dental cement will be used to secure the crown onto the tooth. The crown covers the entire tooth and acts as a barrier against any further damage.

Get started today!

Want to know more about how cavities are fixed? Our team can help you. We can answer your questions or evaluate your cavity to determine what type of repair is best. Give us a call or stop by our office today.

Request an appointment here: https://thelaureldentist.com or call Montpelier Family Dentistry at (301) 605-1132 for an appointment in our Laurel office.