So You Have a Cavity? What Now?

“Oops.” You’ve just discovered that you have developed a cavity, and now you’re scared to go to the dentist. Is it because you’re worried you’ll need extensive treatment, or just due to a general anxiety about dentistry? Well fear not. Cavity treatment is often less invasive than people realize. Plus, prompt care can mark the difference between saving a tooth and eventually needing an extraction, then tooth replacement. So, whether you enjoyed a few too many sweets this year or skipped out on your last few dental appointments, if you are now experiencing dental discomfort or have noticed unsightly black lines appearing on one or several of your teeth, you should call your restorative dentist. Don’t let embarrassment keep you from getting smile-restoring help.

What Does Treatment Entail?

The sooner you seek treatment, the more likely that a simple filling will be sufficient for treating your cavity. Many dental practices even offered tooth-colored fillings made of durable composite resin, so that not only will your smile feel better after the decay has been addressed and your tooth has been tightly sealed. It will look better, too. In fact, it will look like a natural, healthy tooth.

However, the longer you delay restorative treatment the more time the cavity will have to progress. This often leads to painful infections, which will need either root canal treatment or extraction. Anytime it’s possible to save the tooth, the dentist will likely recommend this option, as it is far less invasive and costly in the long run, than having to extract a tooth then replace it with a prosthetic. But whatever form of restorative treatment is needed, you can rest assured your dentist will help to keep you comfortable during the procedure. And, after addressing the cavity you should feel much better about your restored smile!