When decay damages a tooth, it is permanent. Like anything rotten, it spreads out and worsens, damaging surfaces where it touches and damaging more teeth. If you want to keep your toothy smile for a very long time, it is best not to wait to get those fillings. If you let time pass without adequately paying attention to it, it might be too late for even the dental expert to save it.
How Cavities Come About
Dental cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are permanent damage. If not stopped, it progresses and reaches into the inner part of a tooth.
Cavities form when bacteria inside the mouth feed on sugar and starch and form acid. Plaque is formed when bacteria, acids, food, and saliva mix. This sticky substance sticks to the teeth; if not removed by brushing and flossing, it eats away the enamel. This causes holes, or cavities, to form.
Signs to Watch Out For
People are unaware of cavities forming. This is the reason routine oral examinations are essential. The dentist can see any evidence that holes are present. However, there are ways cavities can make themselves known. Here are some signs that cavities are present.
- Bad breath or a weird taste in the mouth
- Gums bleeding
- Toothaches
- Sensitive teeth
- Soreness or swelling inside the mouth
Management and Treatment
These holes are permanent, meaning teeth do not regenerate. There are solutions to manage cavities or stop them from taking place. Although you are responsible for daily management, the dental practitioner plays a substantial part in your oral health. Some might disregard the importance of this, but every person with teeth should visit a dental expert at least twice a year. Visit here to learn more about dental visits.
Dental Cleaning or Prophylaxis
This is done by dentists utilizing special tools that blast away plaque. Deep cleaning allows them to reach between the teeth and the gum for the plaque that hides from sight. Also, this procedure can eliminate discolorations from coffee, wine, or cigarette smoking.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride helps rebuild enamel in a process called remineralization. This is just possible when decay is spotted early. Fluoride treatments can be started during early childhood. If you or you have kids needing fluoride treatments, you can do a quick search online for a “family dentist near me.”
Fillings
Dentists drill away the decaying part of the teeth. Decay can cause dark discoloration, and the dentist must eliminate that to stop more damage. After the new holes are thoroughly cleaned and dried, they are filled with materials like amalgam or composite resin. Fillings should be examined routinely to guarantee they are doing their job.
Root Canal
For nasty cavities, nerve pain can be a result. If this happens, the dentist “kills” the nerve ending that causes the pain. The dentist then fills the hole normally. This is a rather painful process you should not look forward to, so at the first sign of tooth decay, have it fixed right away.
Tooth Extractions
If a root canal is no longer possible and the tooth damage is extreme, the dentist may turn to extraction. In case of extreme pain, an emergency extraction will be performed if there are no complications. Emergency dental care North Atlanta is one call away for those needing medication and extractions.
The Takeaway
Healthy oral practices– brushing daily, gargling with mouthwash, and flossing– help fight cavities significantly. However, to further protect oneself from losing teeth to cavities, guarantee dental checkups at least two times a year.
