Dr. Kaufmann provides a variety of the newest restorative dentistry options for your benefit.  Treatment of cavities depends on how severe they are and your particular situation.  Treatment options include:

• Fluoride treatments.  Fluoride is a mineral that helps teeth repair themselves at the earliest stage of damage.  If your cavity is just getting started, a fluoride treatment may be able to help restore your tooth's enamel.  Professional fluoride treatments contain more fluoride than the amount found in over-the-counter toothpaste and mouth rinses. 
  
  Fluoride treatments may be in a liquid solution, gel, foam or varnish that's brushed onto your teeth or placed in a small tray that fits over your teeth.  Each treatment takes a few minutes.  Dr. Kaufmann may suggest having periodic fluoride treatments.
  
  
• Fillings.  A filling is material that replaces decayed areas of your teeth once damage becomes permanent.  Fillings, sometimes called restorations, are the main treatment option when decay has progressed beyond the earliest enamel-erosion stage.
  
  Dr. Kaufmann removes the decayed part of your tooth, then fills the gap to restore your tooth's shape.  Fillings are made of various materials, such as silver amalgams, tooth-colored composite resins, porcelain, or combinations of several materials.  Dr. Kaufmann will discuss which options are available and best you.
  
  
  
  
• Crowns.  If you have extensive decay or weakened teeth, you may need a crown rather than a filling to treat your cavity and restore your tooth.  A crown is a custom-fitted covering that replaces your tooth's entire natural crown. 
  
  Dr. Kaufmann will drill away all the decayed area and enough of the rest of your tooth to ensure a good fit for the crown. Crowns may be made of gold, ceramic, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal.
  
  
  
  
• Bridges. 
  
  
  
  
• Root canals.  When decay reaches the inner material of your tooth (pulp), you may need a root canal.  In this procedure, the tooth pulp is removed and replaced with a filling.
  
  
  
  
• Tooth extractions.  Some teeth become so severely decayed that they can't be restored — they must be removed.  Having a tooth extracted can leave a gap that allows your other teeth to shift.  If possible, consider getting a bridge or a dental implant to replace the missing tooth.