Tooth decay affects nearly everyone at some point in their lives, making cavity repair one of the most common dental procedures worldwide. When cavities develop, various dental professionals can restore damaged teeth using different techniques and materials. This comprehensive guide explains who fixes cavities, the methods they use, and how to choose the right treatment approach for your specific dental needs.
General Dentists: Primary Cavity Repair Experts
Routine Cavity Treatments
General dentists perform:
- 85-90% of all cavity repairs
- Diagnosis through clinical exams and X-rays
- Small to medium-sized fillings
- Preventive care to avoid future cavities
- Patient education about oral health
Common Procedures
Typical treatments include:
- Composite resin (tooth-colored) fillings
- Amalgam (silver) fillings
- Glass ionomer restorations
- Dental sealants
- In-office fluoride treatments
Pediatric Dentists: Specialists for Children’s Cavities
Unique Aspects of Pediatric Care
Special considerations:
- Behavior management techniques
- Primary tooth preservation
- Growth and development factors
- Prevention-focused approach
- Parental education components
Common Treatments for Children
Frequently used methods:
- Silver diamine fluoride for early decay
- Tooth-colored composite fillings
- Stainless steel crowns for severe decay
- Space maintainers after extractions
- Protective dental sealants
Restorative Specialists: Complex Cases
Prosthodontists
Handle advanced restorations:
- Teeth with extensive damage
- Multiple surface cavities
- Decay under existing crowns
- Complex bite problems
- Full mouth rehabilitation
Endodontists
Treat deep decay involving:
- Dental pulp infection
- Root canal therapy
- Cracked teeth with decay
- Dental abscess cases
- Complex root anatomy
Alternative Cavity Treatment Providers
Dental Therapists
In some states/countries:
- Provide basic restorative care
- Perform simple fillings
- Work under dentist supervision
- Focus on preventive care
- Serve underserved populations
Community Health Dentists
In public health settings:
- Provide affordable cavity treatment
- Focus on prevention
- Serve low-income patients
- May use alternative materials
- Often work with dental students
Dental Team Members Supporting Cavity Treatment
Dental Hygienists
Preventive roles:
- Professional cleanings
- Fluoride applications
- Sealant placement
- Oral hygiene instruction
- Early cavity detection
Dental Assistants
Clinical support:
- Prepare treatment materials
- Assist during procedures
- Manage patient comfort
- Handle sterilization
- Provide post-op instructions
Cavity Repair Methods Explained
Direct Fillings
Placed during one visit:
- Composite resin
- Dental amalgam
- Glass ionomer
- Resin-modified glass ionomer
- Compomer materials
Indirect Restorations
Custom-made in lab:
- Porcelain inlays/onlays
- Gold inlays/onlays
- Ceramic crowns
- Zirconia restorations
- CAD/CAM same-day crowns
Step-by-Step Cavity Repair Process
Diagnosis Phase
Comprehensive evaluation:
- Visual examination
- Dental explorer check
- Bitewing X-rays
- Laser cavity detection
- Caries risk assessment
Treatment Phase
Restoration procedure:
- Local anesthesia
- Tooth isolation
- Decay removal
- Tooth preparation
- Disinfection
Restoration Phase
Final steps:
- Filling material placement
- Bite adjustment
- Polishing
- Post-op instructions
- Follow-up recommendations
Factors Affecting Cavity Repair Choices
Tooth Location and Function
Considerations:
- Front teeth (aesthetics)
- Molars (chewing forces)
- Visible vs. non-visible areas
- Bite relationships
- Adjacent teeth condition
Extent of Damage
Treatment options by size:
- Small: direct fillings
- Medium: inlays/onlays
- Large: crowns
- Very large: possible extraction
Patient Factors
Individual considerations:
- Age and dental development
- Oral hygiene habits
- Aesthetic concerns
- Financial considerations
- Medical history
Technology in Modern Cavity Repair
Digital Dentistry
Advanced tools:
- Intraoral scanners
- CAD/CAM systems
- 3D printing
- Digital X-rays
- AI-assisted treatment planning
Innovative Materials
New options:
- Bioactive composites
- Nano-hybrid resins
- High-strength ceramics
- Self-healing materials
- Fluoride-releasing restorations
Pain Management During Treatment
Local Anesthesia
Standard approach:
- Topical numbing gel
- Comfortable injections
- Fast-acting formulations
- Long-lasting options
- Computer-controlled delivery
Sedation Options
For anxious patients:
- Nitrous oxide
- Oral sedation
- IV sedation
- General anesthesia (rare)
- Behavioral techniques
Aftercare and Maintenance
Immediate Post-Treatment Care
Typical guidelines:
- Wait until numbness wears off to eat
- Avoid very hot/cold foods initially
- Practice gentle oral hygiene
- Monitor for any issues
- Follow all dentist instructions
Long-Term Preservation
Maintaining restorations:
- Excellent daily oral care
- Regular dental checkups
- Protective night guards if needed
- Avoid harmful habits
- Prompt attention to problems
Cost and Insurance Considerations
Treatment Expenses
Price ranges:
- Fillings: 100−400
- Crowns: 800−1500
- Root canals: 700−1500
- Extractions: 150−400
- Preventive care: 50−200
Insurance Coverage
Typical policies:
- Preventive services: 100%
- Basic restorations: 70-80%
- Major services: 50%
- Annual maximum limits
- Waiting periods may apply
Conclusion
Cavity repair is most commonly performed by general dentists, with pediatric dentists handling children’s cases and specialists like prosthodontists and endodontists managing complex situations. Modern dentistry offers multiple treatment options ranging from simple fillings to advanced restorations, all aimed at preserving natural tooth structure while eliminating decay.
The best approach is early detection and treatment when cavities are small, making repair simpler and more conservative. With today’s advanced materials and techniques, dental professionals can restore decayed teeth with durable, natural-looking results. Regular dental visits combined with excellent home care help identify cavities early and prevent new ones from forming.
If you suspect you have cavities, don’t delay treatment. The sooner decay is addressed, the more tooth structure can be preserved, leading to better long-term oral health outcomes. Your dental professional can recommend the most appropriate treatment approach based on your specific needs and circumstances.
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