So Your Dentist Found a Cavity: What Comes Next?
Tooth decay, dental caries, or cavities—whatever you choose to call it—is one of the most frequent dental diseases. When your dentist tells you that you have a cavity, you have several alternatives. Keep reading to learn about them. If you are worried that you might have a cavity, or if it has been more than six months since your last dental exam and cleaning, contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 for help.
Get a silver amalgam filling
The conventional method of treating a cavity is known as silver amalgam fillings, silver fillings, or metal fillings. Metal fillings are used considerably less often these days because to worries regarding mercury levels. They are, nevertheless, still a feasible alternative for molar fillings. Metal fillings are tougher and less expensive than white composite fillings, and their black look is less of an aesthetic problem when put on rear teeth.
Get a white composite filling
If you don’t want any mercury in your mouth, you can have your cavity filled with a white composite material instead. This metal-free filling closes a cavity as well as an amalgam filling, albeit it may not last as long before needing to be replaced.
The major benefit of a white composite filling is that it may fill a cavity without changing the appearance of your smile. White composite fillings don’t have to be completely white; alternatively, they can be colored to match your natural tooth enamel for a discreet and attractive cavity remedy.
Get a crown
It’s conceivable that you won’t be able to have a filling if your cavity is really large or your tooth is weak overall. The filling would most certainly fracture or break during regular biting or chewing if this was done. To fill the cavity and reinforce the tooth, you’ll need a crown.
Depending on the location of the cavity and your dentist’s advice, crowns may cover simply the top of the tooth or the entire tooth all the way down to the gum line. Depending on whether you want a natural look, you may opt with gold or porcelain crowns. At California Dental Group, we collaborate with a top-notch crown provider to guarantee that our patients receive well-fitting, aesthetically pleasing, and long-lasting crowns on the first attempt.
If you believe you have a cavity, or if you would like to have your six-month cleaning and exam done, contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 now to get started.
