Do you have a toothache or tooth sensitivity? Do you see a hole or dark spot on your tooth? If you answer yes to either, you might have a cavity, also known as tooth decay. When bacteria erode the enamel, a hole in your tooth called a cavity develops.
 

Cavities can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss. But do not worry; you can treat cavities and restore your smile. The following list of seven things about cavity treatment alternatives is important to know.
 

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Protect your teeth from cavities by following several simple steps. Brush with fluoride, floss, rinse, and visit your dentist regularly to prevent cavities. Also, limit your intake of acidic and sugary foods and drinks. These can erode your enamel and increase your risk of cavities.
 

Not All Cavities Need Treatment

Small cavities can heal independently if you improve your oral hygiene and diet. Your dentist can monitor your cavity and advise you if you need treatment. But you should treat your cavity as soon as possible if it is large, deep, or causing symptoms.
 

Fillings Are the Most Common Treatment 

A filling is a material that fills the hole in your tooth and restores its shape and function. Your dentist will suggest how to fill your cavity and save your tooth. These include composite resin, amalgam, gold, or porcelain. To place a filling, your dentist will numb your tooth and remove the decayed part with a drill. Then they will fill the hole with the material and polish it.
 

Crowns Are Another Option for Large Cavities

A crown is a cap covering your whole tooth to protect it from decay. It is stronger and more durable than fillings. To place a crown, your dentist will numb your tooth and shave off some enamel to make room for the crown. 
 

Next, they will send an impression of your tooth to a lab to create the crown. They will give you a temporary crown until the permanent one is ready. Once it is, they will cement it onto your tooth and adjust it.
 

Root Canal Therapy Is Necessary for Infected Cavities

A cavity may reach your tooth’s pulp with nerves and blood vessels. This can cause severe pain, swelling, and infection in other body parts. You need root canal treatment to eliminate the infection and save your tooth. This means taking out the pulp, cleaning the root canal, filling it with gutta-percha, and sealing it with a filling or a crown.
 

Extraction Is the Last Resort 

Sometimes, a cavity can destroy most of your tooth structure, making it impossible to restore it with any option. You must have your tooth extracted to prevent further damage and infection. After the extraction, you will have a gap in your mouth that can affect your appearance, speech, chewing, and bite alignment. You can replace your missing tooth with implants, bridges, or dentures.
 

Aftercare Is Important for Successful Cavity Treatment

Choose any cavity treatment you want, but protect your teeth from future cavities after the procedure. Clean and care for your treated tooth as your dentist tells you, and stay away from hard or sticky foods that can harm it. Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice daily, floss daily, rinse with mouthwash, and see your dentist often.

Conclusion

Cavities are a common and treatable dental problem that can affect anyone at any age. You can maintain your teeth’s health for a long time by learning to avoid and deal with them.
 

For more on cavity treatment, visit Riverview Dental at our office in Corunna, Michigan. Call 989-743-4851 to book an appointment today.