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Like your teeth, your dental health concerns are unique. Sure, a lot of people get cavities, but the exact location on the exact tooth where it develops differs between patients. So do the size of the cavity and how long it’s been progressing. Because every case is different, every restorative dental treatment should be customized according to your specific concerns. While the nature of your tooth’s damage (i.e., trauma or decay) is a large factor in choosing the right restoration, the extent of it depends on how long it’s been left untreated.

The Time-Sensitive Nature of Damaged Teeth

The reason time matters to your dental health is because teeth don’t heal. That means any damage it sustains or decay that it develops will only grow worse over time. Even if your tooth has a minor chip on its outermost edge, that chip can grow larger until a significant portion of the tooth becomes compromised. If your tooth develops a minor cavity, the same will occur; the cavity will grow larger and the decay that causes it will affect more of your tooth structure.

Customizable Restorations for Every Situation

To help more patients retain their natural tooth structure, modern restorative dentistry includes multiple restorative procedures that can be tailored to your tooth’s specific needs. For instance, minor tooth decay can be stopped with a tooth filling that restores the tooth’s health and strength. Root canal treatment can be recommended if tooth decay becomes more prominent and infects the tooth’s interior. For teeth that have sustained damage or received root canal treatment, a dental crown can be fashioned to cap and protect the tooth from becoming more damaged.

Find the Restoration that Fits Your Smile Best

Whether your tooth is damaged or decaying, how long it’s been left untreated will play a large role in determining the best restoration. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA, today at (319) 364-7108. We also welcome patients from Mount Vernon, Iowa City, Hiawatha, and all nearby communities.