What if I Have Multiple Cavities on the Same Tooth?

07/03/2024 by admin in General Care, General Dentistry

You’ve likely dealt with a cavity at some point in your life, which refers to an area of decay on the structure of a tooth. Cavities are a mild dental issue when treated promptly and can be repaired with a simple in-office dental filling. That said, perhaps your tooth has suffered multiple cavities over the years. Unchecked bacteria buildup has the potential to reinfect the same tooth over and over again, potentially damaging the tooth’s structural integrity.

The number of fillings that can be made on the same tooth usually depends on factors unique to each individual, such as:

• The size and location of the cavity
• The type of filling used to restore your tooth
• The experience of your dentist

Fortunately, there are many solutions to strengthen a tooth that has been treated multiple times for cavities. When repeated cavities have made it impossible to get another filling on the same tooth, our cosmetic dentist also offers tooth-colored inlays and onlays, as well as porcelain dental crowns, to restore the health and appearance of the area. Inlays and onlays are restorations placed on the surface of damaged molar teeth, while porcelain crowns are highly functional “caps” that can protect a weak tooth and still blend in harmoniously with natural tooth enamel. Our restorations are cosmetic in nature, meaning they are designed to match the rest of your smile without obvious indications of treatment.

To prevent the possibility of repeated cavities on the same tooth, we highly advise maintaining your dental health with consistent brushing, flossing, and rinsing, among other oral hygiene measures. Our team also encourages keeping up with semi-annual dental appointments and cleanings to identify problems when they arise and prevent any issues from worsening.

At Scripps Center for Dental Care, our friendly team in San Diego is well-equipped to address your dental issues with safe, gentle, and effective treatments aimed at preserving as much of the tooth structure as possible. Contact our office in La Jolla for more information about tooth-colored fillings, porcelain crowns, and our other services.

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