How can a dentist fix tooth decay? We’ll be discussing this subject a little further on and understand how dentist can use dental crown as one of the treatment, but first, let’s look at tooth decay itself.
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in Australia, and according to Australia’s Oral Health Tracker, more than 90% of Australian adults have experienced decay in their permanent teeth.
What is tooth decay?
The problem refers to damage of the tooth enamel, the hard outer covering that protects the teeth. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that attack the enamel. Tooth decay inevitably leads to cavities or holes in the teeth. The result is toothache, infection, and even tooth loss without treatment.
What are the symptoms of tooth decay?
Usually, there are no symptoms in the early stages of tooth decay. However, as decay progresses, it can cause:
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Brown or white stains on the tooth’s surface
- Infection, which can lead to an abscess forming
- A cavity
- Toothache
You should never ignore a toothache. If a tooth has been causing persistent pain, it’s vital to book an appointment with your dentist.
How are tooth decay and cavities diagnosed?
A dentist can diagnose tooth decay and cavities with an oral examination and a dental probe. They will also ask if you have any symptoms, such as tooth sensitivity. In many cases, dentists find signs of tooth decay at a regular check-up, but if they suspect a cavity, this may be diagnosed with an x-ray to create a treatment plan.
How a dentist can fix tooth decay?
Depending on the extent of your tooth decay, a dentist can offer several solutions. The treatment they recommend to fix tooth decay depends on its severity.
Mild tooth decay, for example, may only need something as simple as Fluoride treatment. This can help the tooth enamel repair itself if a patient has early tooth decay. Fluoride treatments enable the teeth to absorb calcium and phosphate to repair weak teeth and can even slow or reverse the formation of cavities by harmful bacteria.
In addition, inlays, onlays and flings are used to treat minor tooth decay and damage, whereas dental crowns are used for severely damaged teeth.
Only your dentist can tell you whether you need a dental crown or a filling to fix tooth decay.
How can a dentist fix tooth decay with a filling, inlay or onlay?
Cavities are caused by hardened dental plaque that hasn’t been removed by brushing. Provided the decay is minor, the dentist can remove it and fill the hole with a filling an inlay or an onlay The dentist doesn’t have to remove as much tooth enamel as with a dental crown to carry out the repair. Instead, they will remove just the decayed tissue before filling the hole with tooth-coloured composite resin, old-style amalgam filling or in the case of inlays and onlays, dental porcelain.
While fillings are less invasive than dental crowns, they aren’t always the best option.
When can a dentist fix tooth decay with a crown?
The only way to actually cure tooth decay is to drill it out before it has the chance to spread.
What happens if it has spread too far?
Once a cavity reaches a specific size, a dentist can’t drill out the decayed tissue without compromising the natural tooth structure. This is where a dental crown fits into the equation.
A dental crown covers the whole visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, thus restoring a tooth’s natural strength after the decayed matter has been removed.
If damage to the tooth or infection has spread to the tooth’s inner core (pulp), you may need a root canal. Here, the dentist removes the decayed and infected material and flushes and disinfects the canals before a temporary filling is placed. Once all traces of infection are gone, a permanent filling is placed, and the tooth is covered with a dental crown to restore its strength and integrity.
At No Gaps Dental, we offer CEREC dental crowns to strengthen your teeth
The benefit of these innovative crowns is that they can be completed in a single day. In the past, traditional crowns generally required at least two weeks or more and involved multiple dental visits.
Thanks to CEREC technology, you can get a dental crown made and fitted at our clinic in the same appointment.
A CEREC crown is made from porcelain and carefully shade-matched to your natural teeth so you can smile with confidence.
While dental crowns typically last longer than fillings, a dentist must remove sufficient enamel to accommodate the crown. Once tooth enamel has been removed, it can’t grow back again. However, patients are better off with a dental crown if their tooth has become fragile from repeated dental procedures or a large filling.
Avoiding a dental crown when you need it could result in a cracked tooth or more extensive tooth decay.
Can tooth decay be prevented?
There are steps you can take to help prevent tooth decay. These include:
- Practising good oral health with daily brushing and flossing and regular dental check-ups
- Limiting your consumption of foods that are high in starches and sugar
- Not using tobacco products.
- Ensuring children get sealants on their teeth
- Make sure you get enough fluoride by brushing with fluoride toothpaste and drinking tap water containing fluoride
Do you need to visit the dentist?
If you need a dental crown or have overlooked a dental check-up, why not schedule an appointment with No Gaps Dental’s friendly, experienced team. We provide traditional and CEREC dental crowns and will be happy to discuss your best options.
We have 15 dental clinics scattered across Sydney’s Metro area, so there’s sure to be one that’s convenient for you. With affordable prices and high-quality treatments, we look forward to helping you maintain a beautiful smile, so don’t delay, call us today on (02) 8806 0227!
References
Hospital Healthcare – 90% Of Aussie Adults Experience Tooth Decay
https://www.hospitalhealth.com.au/content/clinical-services/news/90-aussie-adults-experience-tooth-decay-612674436#:~:text=More%20than%2090%25%20of%20Australian,national%20oral%20health%20report%20card.
Mayo Clinic – Tooth Abscess
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/symptoms-causes/syc-20350901#:~:text=A%20tooth%20abscess%20is%20a,side%20of%20a%20tooth%20root.
Medical News Today – Everything You Need To Know About Fluoride Treatment
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327168#benefits