How Are Cavities Treated? By Louis Buono on December 05, 2015

“Sorry, you have cavities.” These are the words that no one wants to hear from his or her dentist, right? They inevitably mean that, from now on, every time you smile, people are going to see your silver amalgam fillings. So much for your pearly whites…

Well, we’ve got good news for you. Even if Dr. Louis J. Buono does uncover cavities on your next trip to Garden City Smiles, he can restore health to your mouth without compromising the beauty of your smile. This is because modern restorative dentistry allows for cavities to be treated in such a way that your teeth will blend in inconspicuously with your smile after treatment. You will emerge from our office with healthy teeth, a pain-free mouth, and a smile that looks beautiful and natural.

Dr. Buono offers a comprehensive range of treatment options for cavities at his Long Island, NY restorative and cosmetic dentistry practice. For further information, we urge you to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Buono today.

How Does Dr. Buono Treat Cavities?

Cavities form when the strong enamel that protects your teeth from harm erodes or otherwise becomes damaged. At this point, the more delicate layers of the tooth become highly vulnerable to the destructive effects of bacteria. Holes and crevices begin to form in the teeth. These holes and crevices are clinically known as dental caries, but we more commonly know them as cavities.

Dr. Buono treats these cavities by:

Removing the damaged portions of the affected teeth
Cleaning the remaining healthy portions of the affected teeth
Restoring the teeth using a strong, durable material such as porcelain

The treatments commonly used to restore the teeth include:

Tooth-colored fillings: Dental fillings have been used for decades to restore damaged teeth; however, unlike the silver amalgam fillings of the past, modern fillings are composed of a composite resin material that matches the color of the natural tooth. These tooth-colored fillings are as durable and reliable as metal fillings, and they are clearly the superior aesthetically. They are also mercury free, unlike their silver amalgam counterparts.
Inlays and onlays: When a cavity is too large for a tooth to support a filling, an inlay or onlay may be used instead. Inlays and onlays are ceramic restorations that are bonded directly to a tooth. Inlays are customized to replace damage that occurs within the cusps of a tooth while onlays extend to cover one or more of the cusps.
Dental crowns: If a cavity is particularly large, then Dr. Buono will then use a dental crown to conceal the entire visible surface area of the tooth. A dental crown mimics the whole tooth above the gumline, restoring its form and function, while returning strength and integrity to the bite. It also allows the natural tooth to be protected and preserved, which is always preferable to extraction.