Caring for an Elderly Parent With Special Dental Needs
Getting a Large Cavity Treated & a Dental Crown Placed on It
Joe Lawrence
Did you neglect to get a cavity treated and it has left you with only a little enamel? The first thing that you should do is get the cavity taken care of, and a dentist may be able to preserve the remainder of the chipped enamel by putting a dental crown on it.
How Does a Dentist Treat a Large Cavity?
It is common for a cavity to get infected, so the dentist will have to get rid of the infection before anything else is done. He or she will prescribe potent antibiotics that can get rid of the infection in a short period of time. You will also have to get an X-ray so the dentist can find out if there is any jawbone damage. However, jawbones usually get weak when a gum infection turns into periodontal disease, which comes from failing to treat gingivitis.
The dentist may also have the treat the pulp chamber inside of the tooth with a cavity. The pulp chamber is where there are nerves and blood vessels, which can become damaged when a tooth is infected. Basically, bacteria from plaque can harm the pulp chamber and cause an abscess. Treating the pulp chamber will likely involve a root canal being done.
Finally, the dentist will fill the cavity with the filling of your choice, such as silver amalgam, porcelain or gold. He or she can also place a dental crown on the remaining enamel. A crown is ideal because it can prevent thin enamel from chipping further. The benefit to having the crown is to preserve the tooth, and it will also make the tooth look more appealing. A crown is a thin shell that will be attached to the enamel by way of cement.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Dental Crown?
The price for a dental crown will vary because there are a few different types to choose from. For instance, a porcelain crown with metal on it will cost a minimum of $500, but can be as much as over $1,500. If want a porcelain crown without metal, you can expect to pay between $800 and $3,000. Whether or not you are covered by dental insurance will play a role in the price as well. Don't delay setting up a dental appointment with a clinic like Willowdaile Family Dentistry to get your cavity treated and a crown placed on it to reserve the tooth.
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Caring for an elderly parent tends to be tough enough without the added stress of dealing with dental implants or dentures. But, the prospect is not the end of the world—there are many things you can do to ensure that your parent's dental health is not compromised without having to spend a lot of personal time doing the care yourself. Between working with the right dentist, hiring a service provider for part time work, and giving your parent the tools he or she needs to care for his or her own dental health at home, you'll find that dental health for your loved one isn't so tough or time consuming after all. Hopefully you are able to get the support and information you need right here.