Cavities are also called dental caries and are small holes that develop in the outer layers of the teeth as a result of decay. Cavities can occur when plaque acids break down tooth enamel and create holes in teeth. One way to restore teeth affected by cavities is to place dental crowns over them. Dr. Paul Gibberman, Dr. Lauren Gibberman, and Dr. Maria Hodas, the experienced dentists at Gibberman Dental in Alexandria, VA, can use dental crowns to strengthen and restore teeth damaged by cavities.
Signs of a Cavity
Some symptoms are an indication of a cavity, although not everyone who has a cavity will experience any symptoms. One common sign of a possible cavity is a toothache. Sensitivity to sweets, as well as hot or cold foods and beverages, are also indicative of a cavity. A change in the color of a tooth is another sign of a cavity, as are visible holes in a tooth.
It is important to treat cavities promptly to prevent the decay from spreading. Decay that spreads to the inner pulp layer of a tooth can require more intensive treatment than simply filling the cavity. In severe cases of tooth decay, a root canal might be needed to restore the tooth. If that is not possible, the extraction of the tooth might be the best option.
How Dental Crowns Help
When a tooth develops cavities, the decayed areas need to be removed before the tooth can be restored. After removing all traces of decay, the holes or caries are cleaned and a dental filling is then used to fill the holes and seal the tooth. If the cavities were small, filling them with dental filling is often sufficient to restore the tooth. However, if the decay was extensive, a dental crown can be placed over the tooth after filling it to further strengthen and protect the tooth.
Dental crowns are protective hollow caps placed over damaged teeth. Once in place, the original tooth is completely concealed inside the crown. Extensive decay that leaves a tooth with several holes can weaken the tooth so it is no longer strong enough to perform normal biting and chewing functions. Dental crowns provide a strong outer shell that can withstand the daily wear and tear of biting and chewing food. They can also protect against further damage to the tooth.
In addition to strengthening and restoring teeth damaged by extensive decay, another benefit of dental crowns is that they look just like natural teeth so they readily blend in. Once in place, no one will be able to tell the difference between the dental crown and the rest of your teeth. The experienced dentists at our practice in Alexandria can determine if dental crowns are the right choice for restoring your damaged teeth.
Dental crowns can restore teeth that have been damaged or weakened by cavities. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Paul Gibberman, Dr. Lauren Gibberman, or Dr. Maria Hodas to discuss the possibility of restoring your teeth with dental crowns by calling Gibberman Dental in Alexandria, VA, at (703) 823-6616.