3 Types Of Cavity Treatments

Posted on: 30 July 2019

Many people are not aware of how cavities form in their teeth. The carbs that you digest during meals are used by bacteria within your mouth to grow. This process releases a harmful acid, which actually demineralizes the enamel on your teeth. Decay forms, and a cavity will develop in its place. Treating the cavity is crucial to prevent bacteria from getting into the chamber of a tooth and causes it to become infected. Here are some ways that a cavity can be treated by your dentist.

Inlays

A large cavity is typically treated using an inlay made out of porcelain, which is a dental application made by your dentist specifically to fit a tooth. It is created by making a mold of the tooth with the cavity, which is then sent to a lab that fabricates the inlay. You'll return to the dentist again when the inlay is ready to be installed on the tooth. The inlay is held in place with dental cement, and gives the tooth some much needed stability and protection from future damage. Inlays used porcelain material designed to simulate the look of a real tooth, so nobody will be able to tell that have had dental work done.

Composite Materials

Small cavities will often use composite material to fill them. Composite is similar to putty when it comes to its consistency, which works great at forming a natural fit in a tooth that has been reshaped to eliminate the decay. The resin is hardened with a special light so the material is no longer like putty, helping it stay in your tooth for a long time. You can expect the entire process for a composite filling to take no longer than a single visit, giving you an instant solution to your cavity problem.

Amalgam Fillings

An alternative form of dental filling material is made out of combinations of different metals. Zinc, silver, tin, and copper all come together to form an amalgam filling. This type of material will not match the color of your teeth, making it quite noticeable. However, amalgam is an affordable option if you cannot afford a different material. Amalgam filling material is held in place by creating a pocket in your tooth. By making a small lip, the amalgam material will fit into the space where the cavity once was and not move. Keep in mind, your amalgam filling may need to be replaced later in life as the material breaks down over time. 

To learn more, contact a family dentist in your area.

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