In the past, whenever you’ve gotten a cavity, the only option for removing the decay and preventing it from getting worse was with a dental filling. While fillings are still effective and used daily in dental offices worldwide, there are several options for treating cavities before they are allowed to get worse. Understanding what your options are can help improve you or your loved one’s overall oral health.

What are Cavities?

Cavities are areas of decay in one or more teeth and affects children & adults. Tooth decay often forms as a result of poor oral hygiene and a poor diet. Eating a lot of high-sugar foods and not brushing or flossing well enough causes a thin layer of sticky plaque to form on different surfaces of the teeth. Not only does plaque make your teeth feel dirty, but it contains acids that lead to enamel erosion. As the plaque acids continue to essentially “eat” away at the tooth, a cavity forms and treatment is needed. If an area of decay is ignored and left untreated for too long, it will eventually spread to the inner pulp, or nerve, of the tooth. This will then cause the need for a complete root canal or extraction of the tooth.

What Treatment Options are Available?

While fillings are a great way to replace areas of decay in one or more teeth, there is no question that they compromise the overall strength and integrity of the tooth. Fillings do not last forever and will need to be replaced over time, which can be a cost issue for many patients.

There are two main treatment options that we here at Bright Star Sapphire Dental have available to you: Silver Diamine Fluoride & the  Icon Resin Infiltration System

What is Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)?

This treatment uses a silver and fluoride mixture to halt the progression of tooth decay. SDF has been approved for use by the FDA, so it’s safely used in dental offices. The silver in the mixture kills the bacteria that is causing and contributing to the decay and the fluoride works to strengthen the teeth. SDF treatment can prevent the cavity from getting larger, which prevents the need for a filling.

What is the Icon Resin Infiltration System?

Another option to treat cavities is known as the Icon Resin Infiltration system. This simple and effective method works to re-mineralize white spot lesions and the early stages of decay using a simple etching device. There is no drilling or anesthetic required. The system works by essentially filling in the pores of the enamel, closing it off to further damage and demineralization. Dr. Boris Kleyman & Dr. Denada Kleyman are proud to offer you both options, and with the help of an examination, we can discuss which one is right for you.

Contact Bright Star Sapphire Dental in Fair Lawn, NJ

If you would like to learn more about treating cavities without the need for fillings, call Bright Star Sapphire Dental in Fair Lawn today for more information and to speak with one of our friendly professionals.