Our teeth are unlike other parts of the body in the fact that they can’t be regenerated. Superficial cuts in the skin vanish without a trace, infections are wiped out with antibiotics, broken bones mend, and inflamed tissues abate.

Unfortunately, tooth decay can’t be healed. Decay can be halted in its progress, but scientists are still years away from actual enamel regeneration. That’s why the Wetaskiwin dentist team at Wetaskiwin Family Dental strongly emphasizes preventative dentistry.

The healthiest mouths have all teeth intact and free of current or former dental caries. But how many smiles can boast such an admirable record? Very few.

The stark reality is that most people get one or more cavities over the course of their lifetime.

In fact, most individuals in Alberta probably don’t even know someone who has never had a cavity. Tooth decay is second only to the common cold as the most prevalent health trouble in childhood. When we reach middle age, many of us have even had a root canal or two.

Depending on the size of the cavity, after cleaning and preparing the tooth, Doctor Mahoney can fill it, place a crown, or perform a root canal (usually followed by a crown).

Restorations Have Come a Long Way

Modern restorations have many advantages over those in years past. There are stronger and more natural-looking materials. Many of our patients at Wetaskiwin Family Dental who have not had a filling for a while, are not aware that white fillings are available. You can even replace old amalgam fillings with white fillings and give your mouth a makeover!

As we said before, when a tooth is by injury or decay, it is never exactly the way it was before. But now, with modern fillings and crowns, it can regain strength and beauty.