The internet is a wondrous place full of miraculous cures for all sorts of ailments - or so every web-based snake oil salesman with a dream would like you to believe. From miracle diets that claim you can lose 20 pounds in a week to cure-alls for everything from acne to diabetes, if these things worked, life would be great. Unfortunately, most of these so-called cures are just a bunch of broken promises. But one particular cure has a lot of people talking. Some people claim you can naturally heal cavities in just two days. But here's the problem: You can’t heal cavities at home in two days or in any other number of days - there is no way to heal a cavity. That’s because once a cavity becomes a cavity, it’s too late to reverse it. Unfortunately, tooth enamel does not repair itself, which is why when we get cavities, we need fillings. Thankfully, fillings are a relatively straightforward procedure. To fill a tooth, your dentist will clean out the decayed portion and then replace it with a composite made of either metal amalgam or resin. That’s the only way you can actually "heal" a cavity. Sure, there are ways to stop a cavity from starting - that part is simple. Make sure you brush twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss between the teeth at least once a day. George says there are even ways to prevent a pre-cavity from turning into a full cavity. Pre-cavities are not quite cavities yet but could become cavities if not properly cared for. They are spots where the enamel of the teeth has worn away or become demineralized. Because they are not yet cavities, pre-cavities can be treated and stopped before they become full-fledged cavities. Pre-cavities can be treated with fluoride and sealants, but they also respond well to proper oral health care and avoiding foods that are high in sugar or carbohydrates, which the bacteria in your mouth often turn into sugar. The big takeaway in all of this is this: If you have a cavity, get it treated as soon as possible, before it turns into something bigger than it needs to be. Remember, cavities have a way of starting out small and turning into much bigger problems. If left untreated, they can not only get bigger, but can also turn into things like abscesses that require root canals or even extractions. If you suspect you have a cavity, skip the internet and call Dr. George at 724-220-2347.

No one likes finding out they need a crown on their tooth, but crowns are nothing to be afraid of. In fact, crowns can even be a good thing. Think of them as a deluxe filling, if you will: well made, secure and luxurious. But the type of crown you need is another story - and the answer depends on several different factors. Crowns are typically used when the area of the tooth that needs a filling is too big. The dentist makes a cap that fits over the tooth while leaving the main structure of the tooth intact. The crown looks and feels like a natural tooth and keeps away the decay from the base of the tooth. There are several different types of crowns to choose from. Here are the types and what they’re best used for. Porcelain Crowns If you need a crown on one of your front teeth, your dentist will likely choose a porcelain crown. Porcelain crowns, much like resin fillings, look natural and blend in with the rest of the teeth. They are also durable enough for the front of the mouth. Gold Crowns Gold crowns sound regal, don’t they? But instead of sitting on top of your head, a gold dental crown sits over your tooth. Considered among the most durable types of crowns, gold crowns can’t break or fracture or even damage the underlying tooth. Metal Crowns Much like gold crowns, metal crowns are extremely strong but still gentle to the teeth. They also can be fitted to the tooth with a very small amount of natural tooth needing to be removed. Porcelain / Metal Fusion Crowns A crown made of porcelain that is secured to a metal underpinning is a durable option commonly used for back teeth. Think of them as the Le Crueset of fillings - offering the beauty of porcelain with the durability of metal. Though Dr. George will determine which crown type is best for your individual tooth, it helps to know why one crown may be selected over another. For any further questions regarding your crowns or any other dental procedure, please call Dr. George’s office at 724-220-2347.

One common misconception patients have when they get a cavity filled is that their filling will last a lifetime. While it would be nice if that were true, the resin composite material used in most fillings lasts about 20 years, give or take a few. But sometimes fillings break down much sooner than anticipated, with some lasting as few as five years. So, what’s going on with those fillings? Are they made of inferior materials? Were they placed incorrectly? Or maybe there’s something else going on that could be causing them to wear out early. Here are some common reasons fillings break down sooner than expected.

Picture this. It’s Saturday night, and you’re sitting down on the couch, chips in hand, watching the latest sci-fi thriller, when suddenly the crunch of your potato chip sounds more like a crack. Just like that, the crown on your tooth has broken in half in your mouth and ruined your relaxing evening. What do you do now? Even dentists with Saturday hours are closed this late, and nobody is open on Sunday. It will be at least a day before you can even call to make an appointment. Before you panic or try a risky DIY repair procedure, follow these steps to protect your teeth, and maybe even save your crown!