How to Fix a Cavity: Everything You Need to Know

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems, affecting people of all ages.

A cavity is essentially a hole in your tooth caused by decay, and if left untreated, it can lead to pain, infection, or even tooth loss.

Fixing a cavity promptly is important, but with so many treatment options available, the process can seem overwhelming.

In this article, we’ll explore all the ways to fix a cavity, how much it costs, how long it takes, and much more.

Different Ways to Fix a Cavity

The most common dental treatments to fix a cavity are as follows:

Fillings: The most common way to fix a cavity is by filling it.

Your dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth and fill the hole with a material like composite resin (tooth-colored), amalgam (silver-colored), gold, or porcelain.

The type of material used depends on the location of the cavity and your budget.

Crowns: If the cavity is large and too much of the tooth has been damaged, a crown may be required.

A crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire tooth. It’s more costly and time-consuming than a filling, but it provides extra strength to a weakened tooth.

Root Canals: When decay reaches the inner pulp of the tooth, a root canal may be necessary.

This involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it. Root canals save the tooth from extraction but are more complex and expensive than fillings.

Tooth Extraction: In severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved, your dentist may recommend extraction. Afterward, options like dental implants, bridges, or dentures can be used to replace the missing tooth.

Cost of Fixing a Cavity

The cost of fixing a cavity can vary widely depending on the treatment required, the materials used, and your location. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:

Fillings: $100 – $500 depending on the material (composite resin is usually more expensive than amalgam).

Crowns: $800 – $1,500 or more, especially for materials like porcelain or gold.

Root Canals: $500 – $1,200 depending on the complexity.

Tooth Extraction: Around $150 for a simple extraction, with replacement options like implants starting at $3,000.

Factors such as whether you have dental insurance, where you live (urban vs. rural), and the dentist’s expertise can also influence these costs.

How Long Does It Take to Fix a Cavity?

The time it takes to fix a cavity depends on the treatment:

Simple Filling: 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Root Canal: 1-2 hours, sometimes requiring multiple visits.

Crown Placement: Two visits, with the first for preparing the tooth and the second for fitting the crown (often two weeks apart). Depending on your dentist, same day crowns may also be available.

Tooth Extraction and Implants: Tooth extractions don’t take much time, but if extractions are replaced with implants, this can take multiple visits over several months.

How to Fix a Cavity on a Front Tooth

Fixing a cavity on a front tooth presents unique challenges, as aesthetics are a major concern.

Most dentists will recommend tooth-colored composite fillings for front teeth because they blend in naturally with your smile.

In some cases, if the cavity has caused more extensive damage, veneers may be recommended for a more cosmetic solution.

Cost: Composite fillings on a front tooth typically cost $150 – $300, while veneers can range from $500 to $1,200 per tooth.
Time: A simple filling takes less than an hour, while veneers require two visits.

How to Fix a Cavity Between Teeth

Cavities between teeth, known as interproximal cavities, can be trickier to detect and treat because they often go unnoticed until an X-ray is taken. Treatment usually involves filling the cavity using specialized tools to access the narrow space between the teeth. If the decay is more advanced, a crown may be necessary.

Cost: Treatment costs are similar to other cavities, though slightly higher if the decay is hard to reach or extensive.
Time: Fillings for interproximal cavities can take a bit longer due to the complexity but usually still fall within the 30-minute to 1-hour range.

How to Fix a Cavity on a Molar

Molars are more prone to cavities because they handle the bulk of chewing and are harder to clean thoroughly. Fixing a cavity on a molar often involves using stronger materials like amalgam or even gold because these teeth endure more pressure. For extensive decay, a crown might be needed to protect the tooth.
Cost: $150 – $500 for fillings, $800 – $1,500 for crowns.
Time: Similar to other cavities, but molar treatments may require more durable materials and time.

Can You Fix a Cavity at Home?

Despite some internet claims, there is no permanent way to fix a cavity at home. You can, however, take steps to manage discomfort until you see a dentist. Temporary solutions include:

Clove oil to reduce pain.
Temporary dental repair kits available at pharmacies.

While these options might provide short-term relief, they are not a substitute for professional treatment.

The only real way to fix a cavity is to have the decayed portion removed and replaced with a filling or other dental treatment.

Fix a Cavity in El Paso Texas

Fixing cavities in el paso will involve a dental checkup with Dr. Sean Harrell. Dr. Harrell will help you determine what solution is best for you and get you on your way to feeling normal again.

Cavities can get worse quickly, so it’s important to find them early. If you catch a cavity early, reach out to Mesa Street Dental for a dental exam.