Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 3 minutes
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems, and they do not fix themselves once decay breaks through the enamel. The goal of cavity treatment is simple: remove damaged tooth structure, stop the decay from spreading, and restore the tooth so it can function normally again.
We provide dental care for the whole family at our offices in Denver, Aurora, Thornton, and Hampden. We proudly accept Medicaid and make quality dental care accessible for every child.
Table of Contents
Dental and Vision Care in One Convenient Location
At our Denver and Aurora locations, Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics and Youth Vision are conveniently located in the same building. This means your child can receive both dental and vision care at one familiar location, without extra travel or scheduling stress.
How We Determine Which Cavity Treatment Is Needed
At Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics, we evaluate cavities using a clinical exam and dental X-rays to determine how far decay has spread beneath the surface. Once we understand the extent of damage, we recommend a cavity treatment that supports durability, comfort, and long-term tooth health.
Several factors influence that decision:
- Size and depth of the cavity
- Location of the tooth, such as a front tooth or molar
- Age of the patient and cooperation level
- Strength needed for chewing
- Risk of future decay
Dental Fillings: Repairing Small to Moderate Cavities
When decay affects a limited portion of the tooth, dental fillings are often the first line of cavity treatment. Dental fillings restore a tooth after damaged enamel and dentin are carefully cleaned away. The filling seals the area, restores shape, and prevents bacteria from re-entering the tooth.
Dental Crowns: Protecting Teeth With Larger Cavities
As cavities grow, a simple filling may not provide enough strength to support the remaining tooth. A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fully covers the tooth. It restores shape, strength, and function when a cavity removes a significant amount of natural structure.
Why Early Cavity Treatment Is Important
Regular dental visits allow us to catch cavities early, when treatment is quicker and easier. Early care helps protect the natural tooth and lowers the chance of discomfort or more involved procedures later.
Parents often ask why baby teeth need treatment if they are going to fall out. Even though they are temporary, they help guide permanent teeth and support proper chewing and speech.
Early treatment often means:
- Shorter appointments
- Smaller repairs
- Lower overall cost
- Stronger, healthier teeth
Do Not Wait To Treat A Cavity
Cavities will continue to grow until they are treated. The sooner we address decay, the easier it is to restore the tooth and prevent future problems. Our team provides cavity treatment in a calm, supportive setting for children and families.
Contact the location nearest you to schedule an appointment.
📍Denver Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 1400 Grove Street, Denver, CO 80204 | (303) 825-2295
📍Aurora Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 14251 E. 6th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011 | (303) 343-3133
📍Thornton Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 550 E. Thornton Parkway, Suite 240A, Thornton, CO 80229 | (303) 280-8878
📍Hampden Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 7400 East Hampden Ave. Unit C1, Denver, CO 80231 | (720) 826-3694
FAQs
Can fluoride treatments reverse cavities?
Fluoride can strengthen enamel in the very early stages of decay, before a true cavity forms. Once a cavity creates a hole in the tooth, it cannot be reversed with fluoride alone. In some cases, we may recommend silver diamine fluoride, also called SDF, to arrest the cavity and stop it from getting bigger.
Can you heal a tooth cavity naturally?
A cavity cannot heal naturally. Brushing and flossing support oral health, but professional cavity treatment is needed to remove decay and restore the tooth.
Do cavities spread from tooth to tooth?
A cavity does not spread the way an infection spreads through the body. However, the bacteria that cause tooth decay can affect other teeth if they are not removed with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. If decay is left untreated, it increases the overall bacterial load in the mouth and raises the risk of new cavities forming.
