Cavities happen. Even with the best homecare, we can all get them. Whether its the anatomy of our teeth, the pH balance of our saliva, or habits like what we eat, clenching or grinding, or how much acidity we expose ourselves to, they can happen to anyone.

At Fairmount Dental Center, we take a conservative approach to when and how cavities are treated.

There are four stages of dental cavities:
Incipient, Moderate, Advanced, and Severe.

Incipient decay means there is just a little cavity forming, usually the biting surface or the side of your tooth, that is les than halfway through the outer layer of your tooth (dentin). These areas are shallow, usually presenting as stains or dark spots.
With periodic oral exams, along with the use of dental x-rays and cleanings, we keep an eye on these areas; watching for any changes, stickiness or increase of size. As long as these areas are stable, we can monitor them without any restorative treatment needed.

Moderate, Advanced, and Severe decay happens when a cavity goes beyond the outer layer of tooth (dentin) into the inner layer (enamel), is sticky, and can sometimes lead to pain and discomfort on the tooth itself. Untreated, these cavities can lead to serious oral health problems such as infections or even tooth loss.

Cavities left untreated are contagious! A cavity on one tooth can affect its neighbors and one filling can turn into two or three.
In an ideal world, most cavities would be treated during the moderate or advanced stages where we can keep fillings small, minimally invasive, and before any symptoms are felt or before more extensive treatment is needed.

It is so important to stay up to date with x-rays, maintain your recommended recall for dental cleanings and exams, and let us know if you are experiencing any pain or sensitivity.
The earlier we intervene, the more choices you have and hopefully the less treatment you need!

Although the process of getting a dental filling is fairly simple, there are still options for restorative materials. Modern advances in dental technology and materials allow us several options to meet your needs and provide the highest care for your mouth.

Composite Restorations

The most common restorative material we offer is a resin-based composite which is tooth-colored and provides the most aesthetically pleasing result.
With composite fillings, we are able to match closely to the shade of your natural tooth; often times making it appear as there is no filling at all!
Composite fillings are less invasive due to the layers of bonding we place before the filling material even goes in, allowing for a smaller, more conservative prep. And because it’s resin-based, your filling is set as soon as you walk out of the office!

And more recently we have seen an increase in coverage with dental insurance plans for composite restorations, meaning they’re not only a reliable restorative material but they are also less expensive to you!

Amalgam Restorations

Amalgam fillings are metal fillings comprised of a mix of tin, copper, silver and a small amount of mercury and have been used in dentistry for well over 150 years. This durable and lasting material has been proved to be an excellent restorative option, even as modern technology advances due to their self-sealing nature which makes them ideal for areas that cannot be kept dry during treatment.
Although not used as frequently (and never used for front teeth), they are still a restorative option, especially when resin-based allergies are present or in cases where a composite filling cannot be used.

When treatment needs go beyond that of a basic restoration, a crown may be recommended.

There are many reasons why a crown or bridge might be needed, such as:
- A tooth has a large filling with limited tooth structure left.
-A tooth is cracked or worn down and needs to be built back up.
- A tooth needs protection following a root canal.
-A tooth is discolored or mis-shaped and stands out amongst others in your smile, to name a few

Whatever the reason, our team at Fairmount Dental Center works with you to create a seamless transition from tooth to crown.

From color matching with your surrounding teeth, utilizing modern 3D intra-oral technology instead of traditional impressions, and working closely with a state of the art dental lab to design your crown, we take pride in our commitment to helping you achieve your ideal smile.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

You might see signs for offices who offer “Same Day crowns” and become enticed by the offer. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend less time at the dental office?
But while it sounds nice, we believe there are benefits to taking our time.

Not only does it allow the lab more time to perfect your crown, it gives your mouth time to rest and feel more like normal. Between the preparation appointment and crown delivery appointment, your tooth is protected by a custom made temporary crown and you’re able to eat, drink, brush and floss with minimal changes to your routine. Most patients forget its even there!

By having time between appointments, it helps reduce overall sensitivity of your tooth, allowing for an easier delivery of a permanent crown and an overall more relaxed experience.

Your comfort and satisfaction is our highest priority, we wouldn’t deliver anything we wouldn’t deliver to ourselves.