When you have a cavity, your tooth could hurt and lack of treatment could mean the onset of an infection. Which is why when you have a toothache, we hope you will see us right away for treatment! In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS, dentist talks about treating cavities with fillings and custom crowns.
The Warning Signs of a Cavity
How do you know if you have a cavity that needs treatment? If you attend six-month checkup and cleaning visits with our team, then we will likely identify the presence of cavities in the earliest stages, often before you even experience symptoms. We can then offer treatment. Otherwise, you may not know you need care until the decay reaches a more advanced stage, one verging on the onset of infection. At this point, you could experience tooth sensitivity when you eat or drink, or a persistent toothache. When this happens, you need to see our team right away for treatment!
Dental Fillings
In most cases, for kids and adults alike we will treat the cavity with a dental filling. The restoration is made from a metal-free composite resin, a biocompatible material that we can shade to blend with your smile. Our team will numb the tooth and then remove decay from the tooth. We then clean it and apply the filling material in several layers. Our team will then sculpt and mold the tooth as the material cures under a light. The last step is to polish the tooth for a brighter appearance. The entire filling placement only takes one visit to complete!
Custom Crowns
What if you have a more advanced case of tooth decay? If the issue is too severe to be treated with a dental filling, then we could craft and place a dental crown. The restoration is custom-made and caps the tooth, fitting over the visible portion. Our team will make them from lifelike materials, such as porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal. We will again numb the tooth, but this time we will remove more structure from it. We take detailed images and measurements of the tooth and use this in a lab setting to design and craft your new restoration. When your crown is complete, we will check the fit and then attach it with a powerful bonding agent.
If you have any questions about how our team will treat cavities with our dental fillings or custom crowns, then contact our office today.
Schedule a Visit for Restorative Dentistry
Our team wants to help you smile with confidence again and avoid discomfort. To learn more about our custom dental restorations, or to schedule your next visit with us, call Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at (913)681-5500.
