Plaque and tartar wear down teeth enamel and cause weakened or damaged teeth. This dental condition is commonly known as tooth decay. It requires restorative dentistry services to completely treat and strengthen the teeth. Below are the treatments you can choose from to prevent or eliminate tooth decay.
Ways to Eliminate Tooth Decay
Dental Crown
This dental treatment is one of the ideal ways to avoid tooth loss and preserve natural tooth structure when decay is at its severe stage. During your dental crown treatment, your tooth is entirely reshaped to get rid of the areas that were damaged by tooth decay. A dental crown is then bonded to the tooth. Much like a cap, this dental crown is fitted over your tooth and completely surrounds it to provide protection and strength on all sides.
While dental crowns are considered to be a more aggressive treatment, it is still a better option than tooth loss or removal. In addition, this dental treatment also preserves the inner pulp and nerves, as well as the tooth roots.
Inlays and Onlays
Tooth decay is an advanced condition so, without treatment, the problem will get worse. Although a dental cavity is a term used to describe a tiny hole in the surface of the dental enamel, sometimes decay advances beyond this point. Instead of just a hole in your dental enamel, it will also lead to periodontal diseases and damage or injury to the biting surface of your teeth.
When tooth decay has developed to this point, inlays and onlays are your greatest treatment option. This dental treatment provides more extensive procedures than dental fillings. Inlays and onlays can preserve more of the natural tooth than dental crowns. According to dentists and other dental professionals, this restorative treatment is considered to be the middle ground option.
As to how these restorations are fabricated, they are designed and created in a lab. Once the materials are all set, it is bonded on your tooth to restore its structure.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are known as the first line of defense against tooth decay. It is a direct and non-invasive restoration that can repair the health, strength, and protection of your tooth without drastically changing its natural state.
They are designed to seal off your tooth so that bacteria cannot penetrate the center of your tooth. If the bacteria reach this part, you’re most probably going to develop a root canal infection. Hence, it’s important that decay should be detected and prevented at an early stage. In extreme cases, you will be required to undergo a tooth extraction treatment if the tooth can no longer be saved.
Restore Dental Health with Restorative Dentistry
In order to prevent tooth decay and cavities, consider the following dental care tips:
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year for dental checkups
- Drink water to stay hydrated and remove food particles from your teeth
- Avoid snacking on sugary foods and drinking sodas
- Floss your teeth at least once a day and brush your teeth at least twice a day
For more information about improving your dental health, be sure to contact our reputable and experienced dentists at PGA Dentistry! Our team of experts for advanced dentistry looks forward to your visit and will be glad to help you achieve the best smile possible.