Cavities are one of the most common dental problems, but early treatment can help protect your tooth and prevent more serious issues. At W Plus Dental in Washington, DC, we treat cavities with tooth-colored fillings, dental crowns, and personalized restorative care based on the size and severity of the decay. If you think you have a cavity or have been told you need a filling, our team can help restore your tooth in a natural-looking and functional way.
A cavity is a permanently damaged area of tooth enamel caused by bacteria, plaque, acids, and decay. Cavities often start small, but they can grow deeper into the tooth if left untreated.
As decay progresses, it can cause sensitivity, pain, infection, and eventually tooth loss.
Common symptoms include:
Some cavities cause no symptoms at all, which is why regular dental checkups are important.
Small to moderate cavities are often treated with tooth-colored composite fillings. The decayed area is removed, and the tooth is restored with a resin material that blends with your natural tooth color.
Composite fillings are durable, conservative, and designed to restore both function and appearance.
If a cavity is large or the tooth is too weak for a filling, a dental crown may be recommended. A crown covers and protects the tooth, restoring strength and helping prevent further fracture.
Crowns are often used when decay has damaged a significant portion of the tooth or when an old filling has failed.
If decay reaches the nerve inside the tooth, a root canal may be needed before the tooth can be restored. This treatment removes infected tissue and helps save the natural tooth.
If a cavity is too severe and the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary. In that case, we can discuss replacement options such as a dental implant or dental bridge.
Treating a cavity early usually means more conservative care. A small cavity may only need a filling, while a larger cavity may require a crown, root canal, or extraction. Early treatment helps preserve natural tooth structure and prevent pain.
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You may notice sensitivity, tooth pain, a dark spot, or food getting stuck. However, some cavities have no symptoms and are only found during an exam or X-ray.
Early enamel weakening may sometimes be managed with fluoride and improved home care, but once a true cavity forms, it needs dental treatment.
Yes. Tooth-colored composite fillings are strong and commonly used to restore small to moderate cavities.
A crown may be needed when the cavity is large, the tooth is cracked, or there is not enough healthy tooth structure left to support a filling.
Untreated cavities can grow deeper, causing pain, infection, root canal needs, or tooth loss.
The tooth is numbed before treatment, so most patients are comfortable during the procedure.
Ready to take the next step toward a healthier, more confident smile? Our team is here to make scheduling your dental visit simple and convenient. Whether you're due for a routine cleaning, interested in cosmetic dentistry, experiencing a dental emergency, or exploring treatment options such as Invisalign, dental implants, or veneers, we're happy to help.