When suffering from cavities, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. But if your minor toothaches have progressed to become major cavities, remember, it’s not too late to get effective treatment. Seeking treatment can bring relief and restore your dental health.
At Dr. Brown’s dentistry practice, we understand that life gets in the way of even the most critical decisions. Whether you suffer from dental anxiety or have put off your dentist appointment for other reasons, we empathize with your situation and are here to provide the care you need. Call Dr. Brown at (630) 369-3120 to schedule an appointment today and continue reading to learn more about cavity treatment.
When is it too late for a dental filling?
Cavity treatment typically begins with a dental filling, but major cavities sometimes require more advanced treatments, including root canal therapy or dental crowns. These treatments effectively preserve your natural teeth and restore oral health.
Your dentist will assess the progress of tooth decay and determine if you have major cavities. If a large portion of your tooth has decayed, exposing a portion of the root, it may be too late for a dental filling.
Dental Crowns
If the root of your tooth is still intact, a dental crown may be the right treatment for you. A dental crown is a cap crafted to fit over the healthy remaining portion of the tooth. Crowns are made from a variety of materials, including:
- Stainless steel
- Composite resin
- Porcelain
Talk to your dentist about your options for dental crown material. Your insurance may cover some or all of these choices. While stainless steel is an effective choice, many patients prefer porcelain or composite resin crowns because of their natural look and feel.
Dental crowns are intended to be long-lasting and should be maintained like all your natural teeth.
Root Canal Therapy
If your tooth is severely damaged from prolonged decay, it may be time for root canal therapy. This highly effective treatment removes infected portions of the tooth while protecting your surrounding teeth and gums from further harm.
Once your dentist has removed the decayed portion of the tooth, they create a filling for the empty space and place a protective crown over the tooth. Root canal therapy may take place over one or several appointments, depending on the extent of damage to your teeth.
Dental Implants
We often recommend dental implants to patients whose major cavities have infected the tooth’s root beyond repair. When a tooth needs to be extracted, your dentist can replace it with a natural-looking dental implant. This process typically takes place over three appointments or more when we:
- Insert the root implant in the jaw bone
- Attach a connector piece called an abutment to the root implant
- Add a new replacement tooth over the implant
As with other dental procedures, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to the treatment area, ensuring you don’t feel any pain during your appointment. You may also have the choice to undergo dental sedation during dental implant appointments.
Get Treatment for Major Cavities
If you have major cavities, call Dr. Brown’s office at (630) 369-3120 or contact us online today. We look forward to providing customized care to help you achieve a healthy smile.