What is the “right” approach to a cavity treatment? To answer that question, more information is needed, as patients come in for care while affected by different degrees of dental decay. While one person may visit us with a smaller cavity that requires a dental filling, another can schedule treatment for severe decay that calls for root canal therapy. That being said, one consistent goal we have when treating different types of cavities is to provide treatment that preserves a patient’s attractive smile. At our Maple Grove, MN dentist’s office, we can treat you with a custom dental filling or crown that imitates your healthy enamel and preserves the appearance of your tooth.
Treating A Problem With Your Tooth Without Changing Your Smile
The goal when providing restorative dental work is to return a tooth to good health while preserving as much of its healthy structure as possible. The size of your cavity will affect the decision to use a dental filling or dental crown. A filling is the more conservative option, as your restoration will only cover the area where decay formed. When necessary, we can provide larger covering with a custom crown. In both cases, we can use materials that match the look of your enamel so that your smile is not changed by your procedure.
How A Filling Or Crown Provides Lasting Support For A Tooth
- A dental filling made from composite resin can be applied directly to the area where a cavity developed and did damage to your tooth. The substance we apply will harden and bond to your enamel, which will provide long-term support that lets you bite and chew without difficulty. Because this substance preserves your appearance, you will not have to worry that a cavity on your front tooth will permanently alter your appearance.
- For a larger cavity, including a cavity that makes root canal therapy necessary, we can use a dental crown. A custom crown will surround a tooth above the gum line to provide bite support. Porcelain and zirconia crowns are able to imitate a healthy tooth structure, making them ideal for treating teeth that are more visible when you smile and speak. We take care to measure a tooth closely before creating your restoration, as this ensures that your crown fits securely and looks natural.
Why You Might Need Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy addresses problems that develop within your pulp – the tooth’s central chamber – caused by advanced decay. Removing damaged and infected tissues will stop ongoing discomfort and prevent the further spread of harmful bacteria. Once this work is done, we can take care of your tooth by fitting it with a custom crown.
Talk To Your Maple Grove, MN Dentist About Cavity Treatment
While our goal is to provide preventive care that helps patients stay cavity-free, we can offer treatment when it is needed to restore a tooth’s health and appearance. To find out more about how we can support you, please call Elm Creek Dental in Maple Grove, MN, today at 763-416-0606.