What Are Cavities And How We Treat Them
When you are suffering from tooth decay, it is essential to act quickly. The sooner your dentist is able to treat it all the better. If left untended, decay can turn into an infection which can be very painful and can even require an extraction if it gets bad enough. Because of this, it is important to know the signs that a cavity or infection might be developing. Additionally, visiting the dentist regularly maximizes the chances of them catching and treating it quickly. In today’s blog, Cleveland, TX, dentist discusses tooth decay and the ways we treat it.
Understanding Decay
Tooth decay — more specifically cavities — is usually influenced by lifestyle and diet choices. Sugary snacks and drinks are a major culprit for instigating damage. Sticky foods can also linger on teeth which can allow harmful bacteria to flourish. Moreover, poor brushing habits can also contribute, as they don’t fully remove harmful substances. Your genetics can also contribute to your susceptibility to cavities. When combining all of these factors, it is important to stay on top of any decay and allow your dentist to treat it properly.
The most common kind of decay is known as a coronal cavity, and it primarily affects your chewing surfaces as well as spaces between your teeth. In more severe cases, you might have a root cavity that exists deeper into your tooth, harming your nerves. When this kind is left to develop it could end up requiring a root canal treatment to remove, which is why we recommend treating it quickly. Again, visiting your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings allows them to keep track of your oral health and spot any problem areas.
How We Can Treat Decay
If you do have a cavity — particularly a coronal one — a dental filling is the best, most common form of treatment. For this procedure, your dentist carefully removes the decaying part of your tooth and cleans it thoroughly. They then shape the space so it can easily receive the filling. From there, they place it and polish it so it feels perfectly normal and comfortable in your mouth. The filling itself is made from a biocompatible composite resin, which looks just like the surrounding teeth. This allows it to blend in seamlessly, looking totally in place. Once you have a filling, it should last for at least 10 years, if not 15. Just be sure to continue brushing your teeth and visiting the dentist twice a year to minimize the chances of any other decay or infection from occurring.
Contact Us To Learn More About Cavities And Fillings
Whether you think you may be experiencing tooth decay or you have any questions about fillings, we encourage you to reach out. Schedule an appointment today and contact Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX, at (281) 592-1234. You can also find our practice at 205 E. Houston St. Cleveland, TX 77327.