What does your dentist do about tooth decay? There is more than one way to deal with a cavity. The best solution can depend on how large the cavity has gotten, and if it has made its way to the interior of your tooth. In order to know what restorative dental treatment to use, your dentist will have to have an opportunity to observe the decay. If you think you have a cavity, be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more a cavity can spread!

Questions:

True Or False: If a cavity is large enough, a dental filling may not be enough to restore your tooth.

True Or False: A cavity that affects your tooth’s living tissue will require a root canal OR a dental crown.

True Or False: Only metal dental crowns are available if your tooth is treated for a cavity.

Answers:

True! A filling can effectively replace dental material lost to tooth decay. However, if there is too much material that has to be removed, a filling may not be strong enough to provide adequate support.

False! To address a cavity that has infected your tooth’s living tissue, you will need a root canal. You will also need a dental crown, because a root canal will leave your tooth too depleted for a filling.

False! You have several material type options for your dental crown. Porcelain crowns are often used when the tooth in question is more visible when you smile and speak. However, for the sake of providing more strength, a back tooth may be better served by a gold crown, or a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown.