Sep
Patients who visit the practice of Dr. Tina Subherwal in Redmond, Washington, and are told they have cavities may wonder how to get rid of them. Cavities are areas of tooth decay that can significantly impact the health and structure of the natural teeth. They are caused by acids and sugars that eat away at the tooth enamel and create holes. These holes, though tiny, can become more extensive and cause an infection within the tooth, requiring extensive repair or, in worst-case scenarios, permanent extraction. At Smile Studios, we want patients to learn about the importance of early detection and treatment to fix cavities effectively and restore the smile’s health.
Unfortunately, once a cavity has formed, the damage cannot be undone. Instead, patients will need to speak to their dentist about proper treatment. Leaving a cavity unattended is a bad idea as it can become larger and deeper. This can result in further issues that require more expensive and invasive fixes. Instead, patients should have their cavities filled with composite resin fillings as soon as they are diagnosed to restore the structure of the tooth and keep bacteria from entering inside.
In cases where the decay is more severe, patients might also need a dental crown over the tooth to further protect and strengthen it. Dental crowns are common in general and restorative dentistry and help patients maintain their natural teeth whenever possible.
Fillings “fill” the area of decay. This is important for several reasons. First, it seals off the tooth, ensuring bacteria can’t seep inside and cause an infection. Second, it keeps the tooth decay from getting wider or deeper. If tooth decay reaches the dental pulp in the center of the tooth, it can cause more significant problems, which may require treatment with root canal therapy or permanent extraction.
Dr. Tina Subherwal is pleased to provide a selection of services in her practice, including general dentistry procedures such as tooth fillings. Redmond, WA area patients who want to get rid of cavities and repair their tooth structure, will ask about composite resin applications. Call (425) 584-3242 to request an initial evaluation and determine if fillings or crowns are right for you!