Treatment Options for Repairing Cavities or Tooth Decay

We spend most of our lives developing positive habits when it comes to our dental health. We are taught from a young age the value of habitual brushing to keep from developing cavities. Sometimes, even though we brush and floss daily, we can still develop cavities. If you find yourself in this position, please remember your dentist understands and offers several ways to treat your cavities!

Dental fillings are the most common treatment for minor cavities. During this treatment option, the Dr. Malcolm J Boykin DDS cleans out the cavity and then fills it in using a special resin that bonds to the tooth, adding strength.

In the event that the cavity is too large for a dental filling but the tooth is still strong, a partial crown is used. Also called an inlay or onlay depending on how it is installed, a partial crown repairs the cavity while also strengthening the tooth.

If the tooth affected by the cavity has suffered significant decay, neither a filling nor partial will be an effective treatment. A dental crown will be necessary to restore the affected tooth. During this treatment, the majority of the tooth’s enamel is removed. After the removal, a crown is formed in a dental lab and installed on the tooth to replace the lost enamel. Having a dental crown will ensure a tooth that will last years after your treatment.

For any questions you have about cavities or to set up an appointment with our dentist in Ramona, CA, please call our office today.