Top Treatments for Cavities By Bruce Wilderman on July 10, 2012

Many of us think of cavities as a childhood affliction but, in reality, cavities are just as likely to cause dental problems in adulthood. If you have one or more cavities it is vital to get them treated as soon as possible. Untreated cavities can result in pain, root canal procedures, and even tooth loss. Dr. Bruce Wilderman's Philadelphia cosmetic dentistry practice offers some of the most aesthetically pleasing treatments for repairing dental cavities. You know longer have to settle for metal dental fillings! Read on to learn more about the cavity treatment options that we offer.

What Are Cavities?

Cavities are a form of tooth decay caused by a buildup of plaque. Plaque is made up of our own saliva, food particles (including sugars and starches), bacteria, and acid from foods and bacterial digestion. Plaque is almost like a paste that sticks to our teeth and when it's left for too long, the acids will begin to erode the tooth enamel and form cavities.

What Are My Treatment Options?

There are numerous treatments for cavities. It is best to consult your dentist to determine which treatment is best for your unique case. Here is an overview of some of the most popular cavity repairing procedures:

Traditional Dental Fillings - In the past,gold or silver amalgam were the common material used in traditional fillings. Today, tooth-colored composite materials are the most popular type of filling. During treatment, the decayed portion of tooth is removed and the resulting hole is cleaned and filled with the chosen dental material.
Inlays and Onlays - Inlays and onlays are favored for their cosmetically appealing characteristics. Inlays and onlays are typically made of tooth-colored porcelain so they blend beautifully with the surrounding tooth. Inlays are suited to cavities within the cusps of the biting surface of the back teeth. Onlays are intended for use when the cavity or decay reaches one or more cusps.
Porcelain Crowns - Sometimes the decay of the tooth is so severe that removing all of the damaged portions of the tooth significantly weakens the tooth's structure. In such cases, porcelain crowns are one of the best treatment options. A porcelain crown is basically a hollow artificial tooth, molded to fit over the damaged tooth. For our patients in Philadelphia, porcelain crowns restore the strength and appearance of the tooth while protecting it from further damage.
Porcelain Veneers and Dental Bonding - For front facing teeth with aesthetic flaws, porcelain veneers and dental bonding are popular treatment options. Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shell-like prosthetics bonded to the front surface of the tooth. Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored putty-like resin to cover tooth imperfections. After the tooth is cleaned, the resin is applied. An ultra violet light or laser is then used to harden the resin. Once hardened, the resin is shaped and polished. Both treatments can be performed on teeth that have previously been treated with dental fillings.