What is the best way to treat cavities? This article will explore the advantages and disadvantages of root canal therapy and dental fillings. You’ll also learn about the Silver diamine fluoride and resin infiltration treatments. Read on to learn more. This article is written by Dr. Sara DiNardo, a dentist and clinical instructor at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. We hope you find it helpful.
Root canal therapy
A dentist may recommend root canal therapy for a number of reasons. A curved root, known as complex canal morphology, reduces the success rate of a root canal procedure. However, local anesthesia can be used to ensure a comfortable experience for patients. Depending on the severity of the infection, it may be unnecessary for a patient to undergo general anesthesia. The procedure will not affect the patient’s ability to drive home.
A deep cavity may be the cause of your tooth pain. Your dentist may order x-rays or cone-beam CT scans to determine if there is decay in your tooth. If the pain is severe, your dentist may recommend a root canal. X-rays may show signs of a periodontal abscess, which does not require a root canal. A deep cavity can also lead to pain and swelling, so it’s important to get a root canal to prevent further damage.
Dental fillings
A dentist uses one of several materials to fill cavities. Composite resin is one type of filling, and it’s often used on molars. It has the advantage of blending in with the color of the tooth. This filling also lasts for years, although it can chip away from time to time, depending on its placement. Composite resins are also more durable than amalgam fillings, and they last for about five years on average. Glass ionomer is another type of filling that’s available. Glass ionomer is a material that’s a good choice for small to medium-sized restorations. The downside of this material is that it’s fragile and tends to chip, making it an inferior choice for larger restorations.
Onlays are a more substantial type of filling that covers one or more cusps. Sometimes called partial crowns, these fillings can last up to 30 years. Inlays and onlays are made of tooth-colored composite resin, porcelain, or gold. Direct inlays and onlays are created in the dentist’s office and are placed in the patient’s mouth in one appointment. The type of filling needed depends on whether the tooth is in good structural shape and if the patient has any cosmetic concerns.
Silver diamine fluoride
If you have a cavity, silver diamine fluoride may be a good treatment option. However, this treatment may cause staining, a side effect that could be problematic for patients with esthetic concerns. Healthy tooth surfaces will remain unstained during this procedure. As the silver diamine fluoride cures tooth decay, the surrounding structures become dark and stained. This discoloration is the main indicator that the treatment was effective. If the treatment is ineffective, patients should consider other options, such as crowns or fillings.
If your child develops a cavity during their childhood, silver diamine fluoride treatment is a good option for both prevention and cavity treatment. The silver diamine fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and stop the progression of the problem. Unfortunately, it is not a replacement for traditional cavity management techniques. However, it is worth considering as an alternative to cavity fillings in kids. It is an effective stopgap solution while waiting for the baby teeth to fall out.
Resin infiltration
A new breakthrough in dental treatment uses a no-drill process to treat early-stage cavities without drilling. Cariogenic acids attack the tooth’s enamel, causing the teeth to become porous. By using resin infiltration, teeth are sealed so the acids cannot enter. This stops dental cavities in their tracks, preserving healthy tooth structure. This revolutionary treatment is FDA-approved and currently being tested in clinical trials in the United States.
The procedure has been proven to be effective in the prevention and treatment of cavities. Unlike other dental procedures, it offers patients a more comfortable dental experience. Resin infiltration is a simple, affordable, and effective alternative to a root-canal therapy. In fact, it has fewer side effects than other methods. The procedure has a small risk of infection and no downtime. However, it does not have as good a track record as other methods.
