If you’ve just found out you have a cavity, you’re not alone. About 90% of Americans over age 20 have at least one of these dental caries. And more than half of all children and teens have at least one cavity.
Brushing and flossing every day and having regular dental checkups are the best ways to prevent cavities. But even people who take these steps sometimes develop cavities.
When you have a cavity, schedule follow-up treatment as soon as possible. Untreated cavities continue to grow, getting larger and damaging the deeper layers of your teeth. They also trigger additional unwanted dental issues, like:
The good news is that in the Butte, Montana, area, Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, offers a variety of restorative care treatments to address cavities. Here’s a look at what you can expect when you have a dental cavity.
The right treatment for your cavity depends on many factors, including the size, location, and severity of the cavity and your overall oral health. Dr. Wilcox creates a personalized cavity plan based on your individual needs, but here's a look at some of the most common cavity treatments:
In many cases, we treat cavities with dental fillings. Fillings work to restore the integrity, functionality, and shape of your tooth. Dr. Wilcox uses gentle techniques and makes sure you remain comfortable during the process.
Some fillings are very shallow, while others are more involved. In all cases, Dr. Wilcox uses tooth-colored fillings whenever possible. These composite fillings are made from a blend of materials, like plastic resin and quartz, and are made to match the color of your natural teeth.
Sometimes, Dr. Wilcox may need to use a dental crown to repair cavities. He places this prosthetic cap over the affected tooth and restores the function and shape of your tooth.
Getting a crown takes two visits — one to take an impression of your teeth and give you a temporary crown and another to fit your permanent prosthetic. Between your appointments, the lab custom-makes the crown to match your natural teeth in color and fit.
If the root of your tooth is damaged or diseased to the point where we can’t repair it, Dr. Wilcox may need to perform a root canal. In this procedure, he removes the diseased and decayed portions of the nerve, tissues, blood vessels, and tooth, and then fills the tooth with a sealing material. Sometimes the treated tooth also requires a crown.
Tooth extraction, or removal of the affected tooth, is usually reserved for severe situations when other options can’t save the tooth. If you need to have a tooth extracted, rest easy knowing that Dr. Wilcox offers a variety of options, such as dental implants, to restore your smile.
If you’ve been told you have a cavity, schedule an appointment for a filling or other treatment as soon as possible.
If you aren’t sure you have a cavity but suspect you do because of a toothache, sensitivity to temperatures, difficulty chewing or drinking, or other signs, it’s important to visit a dentist for an accurate assessment.
Dr. Wilcox evaluates your tooth and oral health history before recommending a specific treatment plan. He reviews your treatment options with you, taking time to answer your questions and concerns.
For patients with dental anxiety, Dr. Wilcox can discuss sedation dentistry. This therapy helps ensure you get the dental treatment you need even when you are nervous about sitting in the treatment chair.
Get started with cavity treatment by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Wilcox at our Butte, Montana, office today.
