Without the proper dental care and attention, you may develop a cavity and require a cavity filling. Read on in today’s blog from Parkcrest Dental to learn the different types of cavities and how they can be treated with various types of cavity fillings.
What is a Cavity?
A cavity is a sign of tooth decay, meaning that the tooth is gradually wearing away. Signs of cavities include soft spots on the tooth, pain and sensitivity, and signs of tooth decay on your X-Rays.
There are three different types of cavities, including smooth surface, pit and fissure, and root.
Smooth Surface: This type of cavity occurs on the flat surface outside of the teeth. The decay happens when bacteria isn’t removed properly and plaque begins to build up on the teeth. Thankfully, it’s the easiest cavity to treat and can be treated with fluoride treatments.
Pit and Fissure: This type of cavity lives mostly in the back teeth due to poor cleaning after meals. If this type of cavity is left untreated, it can become very severe.
Root: This type of decay is more common among older adults who have receding gums. It occurs on the surface of the roots of the teeth.
Possible Treatments
If you have a cavity, there are various types of cavity fillings to treat your decaying tooth.
Fluoride treatments: If your cavity is very new, a fluoride treatment may be the simplest fix to restore your tooth enamel and possibly reverse the cavity. Fluoride treatments can come in many different forms including liquid, gel, foam, or varnish. This substance is brushed onto your teeth to strengthen your enamel.
Fillings: The most common way to treat a cavity is fillings. Cavity fillings are to fill the spot of the cavity that has already begun decaying. Made of various materials including tooth-colored resins, or porcelain, the area is filled and repaired with this substance.
Crowns: For progressed decay, you may need a crown. A crown is a fitted covering that will replace your tooth’s entire natural crown. Your dentist will drill away the decayed area so the crown is sure to fit. You may have seen crowns made of gold, porcelain, resign, or other materials.
Root canals: When the cavity reaches the inside of your tooth, a root canal is most likely needed. The diseased inside (pulp) is removed and medication is applied to clear the infection. The inside is then replaced with a filling.
Tooth extractions: If your cavity is serious then you may need the tooth completely removed. The tooth will be extracted and leave a gap that may cause your other teeth to shift in your mouth. If you’re worried about a gap, consider a dental implant or bridge to replace the tooth.
Visit Parkcrest Dental Today
At Parkcrest Dental Group, we are invested in our community’s health. We believe that oral hygiene is a serious key to living a healthy life. If you or your family are looking for a dental office you can trust for your cavity filling, visit Parkcrest Dental Group today. You can call our team directly at 417-887-1220 to set up an appointment. Or set up an appointment online at the Parkcrest Dental contact page.
