You know that a cavity typically calls for a dental filling – this includes the removal of decayed tissue followed by carefully packing the opening with material that restores the shape, structure, and appearance of your tooth. Now, what happens when a cavity becomes extremely severe? Do we still fill the cavity? As a matter of fact, you may require a more advanced treatment to address the damaged tissue. Allow us to explain, so you know what you can expect.

When A Filling Won’t Cut It

Once we determine that tooth decay has damaged too much of your tooth tissue for a filling, we will move on to the possibility of offering an inlay or an onlay. Rather than working by filling the opening with moldable material (which we do with a dental filling), we will rely on a precisely designed, solid replacement for your tooth tissue. If your cusp is damaged (which may include tissue down your tooth’s side), you may require an onlay. For tissue damaged between the cusps on the top of your tooth, we will suggest an inlay.

When Fillings, Inlays, And Onlays Won’t Suffice

In some cases, a cavity becomes much too severe or widespread for us to simply replace the missing tooth tissue with a dental filling, inlay, or an onlay. The good news, however, is that we will not always need to extract the tooth. If the tissue is substantial enough and healthy enough, we may be able to clear away the decay and then restore your tooth by covering it with a dental crown.