It’s an awful feeling when you need a dental procedure but don’t really understand what the treatment process is like or how your oral health might be affected. At Painfree Dentistry, we realise how scary and intimidating going to the dentist can be; that’s why we do everything possible to ease your mind and provide every alternative so you can make informed decisions about your teeth and gums.
Even if the words filling, crown and root canal sound familiar, we’re here to help you choose the right cavity treatment for your smile.
So, keep reading to learn more about these common dental procedures that can help you keep your natural teeth and confident smile.
Understanding Your Cavity: The Stages of Tooth Decay
Before we talk about the different stages of tooth decay, let’s explore what causes it in the first place. The bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugars left behind from what you eat and drink. These bacteria create acids that weaken your tooth enamel. When this demineralisation happens, tooth decay can occur.
There are three stages of tooth decay you should be aware of; they include the following:
Stage 1: The White Spot (Early Decay)
This early form of tooth decay, known as demineralisation, occurs when your tooth enamel loses minerals, but you don’t yet have a hole in your tooth. You may see a chalky white spot or a dull area on your tooth’s surface. It may even feel rough when you touch it with your tongue.
Fortunately, this early decay can be reversed with improved brushing and fluoride treatments.
Stage 2: The Hole (Moderate Decay)
If left untreated, early tooth decay can progress into moderate decay; when this happens, your tooth enamel is weakened to the point where a small cavity or hole develops on your tooth. At this point, you may experience sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. You may also be sensitive to sweets.
For moderate decay, a tooth-coloured filling can repair the cavity and keep the damage from worsening.
Stage 3: The Deep Infection (Advanced Decay)
When tooth decay reaches your tooth’s inner dentin layer and pulp chamber, it can affect the nerves and blood vessels, causing significant discomfort. You may feel pain when you eat and drink or a throbbing pain that doesn’t subside, even when you take over-the-counter pain relievers. If left untreated, this type of infection can enter your bloodstream and be extremely dangerous.
If you have a severely decayed tooth, you may need a root canal to remove the infected pulp. A root canal can save your natural tooth, but sometimes an extraction is necessary.
Option 1: The Dental Filling: When Decay Is Caught Early
When you have a cavity, a tooth-coloured filling is the least invasive treatment option.
For this procedure, we’ll numb the area so you won’t feel anything. Then, we’ll make a small hole in the affected tooth and thoroughly clean and disinfect the area. Next, we’ll use tooth-coloured composite resin to seal your tooth. Before you leave, we’ll check your bite and make any adjustments.
A filling looks and feels completely natural; no one will be able to tell you had a cavity.
Option 2: The Dental Crown: When Your Tooth Needs Reinforcement
When you have more extensive tooth decay, a dental crown might be a better treatment option for your smile. A dental crown provides more protection and support than a filling; it completely covers your natural tooth, restoring its shape, function and appearance.
For this procedure, we’ll remove the decayed portion of your tooth before taking impressions. We’ll send those impressions to our trusted dental lab so they can customise your dental crown. In the meantime, we’ll place a temporary crown. Once it’s back from the lab, you’ll return for a second visit so we can bond your crown in place.
A dental crown will last for many years and give you the ability to bite down and chew normally.
Option 3: The Root Canal: When the Damage Goes Deep
When your tooth’s inner pulp chamber, which contains the nerves and blood vessels, is infected or damaged, you may need a root canal to remove the infection.
This procedure has a bad reputation, but root canal therapy actually eliminates your tooth pain and can often save your tooth from extraction. For this procedure, we’ll numb your mouth before accessing and removing the infected tissues from inside your tooth. Then, we’ll clean and disinfect the area and fill it with a special material known as gutta-percha.
In many cases, we’ll place a dental crown on top of your treated tooth to strengthen and protect it.
Making the Right Choice: A Quick Comparison
Here are some things to keep in mind regarding your treatment options:
- A filling is used for minor decay on your tooth’s surface.
- A crown is used to cover and protect your natural tooth if it has more extensive decay or has been weakened by root canal therapy.
- A root canal removes the infected tissue from your tooth’s interior to avoid extraction, and a crown is often used to strengthen your tooth after this procedure.
Looking for a Dentist in Parramatta, NSW?
If you’d like to learn more about how to fix cavities in Harris Park, or to book a consultation or appointment with our dental team, feel free to give us a call! At Painfree Dentistry, we strive to help every patient achieve the best oral health possible.
You can call us on (02) 9635 5166 to get started today.
We hope to hear from you soon.