If you develop a cavity then treatment is crucial for avoiding more serious complications, such as a toothache or a dental infection. How do you treat tooth decay? The doctor may recommend restorative dentistry to repair a tooth. You can once again enjoy a healthy, functional, and lifelike tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Decay
Question: What causes a cavity?
Answer: Cavities form when harmful bacteria can reach the layers of dentin below your tooth enamel. There, a cavity forms that will continue to grow unless properly treated. Bacteria can reach the dentin if the enamel is weakened, either by injury or poor oral hygiene.
Question: How do I know I have one?
Answer: You may first notice tooth sensitivity, particularly to hot or cold temperatures. Later, a toothache may develop that doesn’t subside. If you don’t seek treatment the decay may reach the inner pulp and cause a serious infection, leading to more discomfort and a greater risk of losing the tooth.
Question: Do I need a filling?
Answer: In most cases we may place a dental filling to address the cavity. The procedure involves removing decay and cleaning the tooth. Then, a metal-free composite resin will be placed. The doctor shapes the resin and cures the tooth with a special light. The restoration only takes a single visit to place and will blend with your remaining tooth structure.
Question: When is a crown necessary?
Answer: In the cases of severe tooth decay a filling may not be enough. The doctor may then recommend a dental crown, a restoration that fits over the visible portion of the tooth. Crows are custom-made and designed to protect the remaining tooth structure while providing lifelike restoration. If you have any questions about addressing cavities then please contact our office today.
ABOUT YOUR ASTORIA, NY, DENTIST:
Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, a native New Yorker, has welcomed patients and families from in and around Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since opening his dental practice in 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
