What Is the Treatment of a Cavity?

Cavities are a chronic issue globally and locally. Almost half of the population in our country will have at least one cavity by the time they clock 30 years. Cavities affect people of all ages and are more rampant in kids than adults since kids are not yet good at brushing their teeth. What’s more, kids indulge in sugary foods and drinks more than adults.

Adults also bout with their fair share of cavities, and at times receding gums may cause cavities to develop at the lower parts of the teeth. That’s why cavity treatment in Whitby, ON, is vital.

Seeking early tooth decay treatment will ensure that you save your tooth from severe decay, which could lead to tooth loss.

Fast Facts About Cavities

Tooth decay will affect all of the layers of a tooth. Teeth are sturdy since they are made from minerals. So, cavities may take almost three years before they penetrate the outer layer (enamel) of the tooth.

Once the decay forms on the outer layers of the tooth, it will progress much faster through the middle and innermost layers.

Types of tooth decay are:

• Smooth surface. The smooth surface cavity progresses slowly. So, you can prevent it or even reverse it if you properly brush and floss your teeth. Also, if you go for dental cleanings, it will help reverse it.
• Pit and fissure decay. The cavity will form on the top part of your teeth’s chewing surface. You might experience this type of decay during your teenage years and progress rapidly.
• Root decay. Older adults with receding gums will be more likely to develop root decay. Root decay is quite challenging to prevent or treat.

What Causes Cavities?

Several factors can lead to the development of cavities. Primarily, bacteria are the main culprit. They begin to feed on starchy or sugary foods and drinks and convert these carbs into acids. The acid, bacteria, food debris, and saliva are the components that make up the sticky substance (plaque) that coats the teeth.

If you cannot remove plaque through flossing and brushing, the acids in plaque will continue to dissolve the enamel creating the holes that we refer to as cavities.

How to Tell If You Have Cavities

Tooth decay won’t always come with cavity tooth pain or other symptoms. You will notice the symptoms once the cavity gets to the root or dentin. In any case, the signs include:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Toothaches
• Bad taste in the mouth or halitosis (bad breath)
• Facial swelling
• Redness inside or around the mouth
• Bleeding gums

How Are Cavities Treated?

Regular checkups will help identify and treat cavities before they cause severe problems. So, you need to visit the dentist more often to keep your oral health in check.

Besides getting regular checkups, you can also come to visit us for treatment if you have noticed the symptoms that reveal that you have tooth decay. Cavity treatment in Whitby, ON, may involve the following:

• Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatment is the perfect solution if the cavity is caught early. Fluoride will help restore your tooth’s enamel and might even reverse the cavity. Even though tap water, toothpaste, and mouthwashes may have fluoride, you might need professional fluoride treatment. Professional fluoride treatment contains more fluoride, so it is more effective.

• Fillings

When the cavity has progressed, our dentist will recommend that you go for fillings. Fillings are a common tooth restoration made from various materials, including porcelain, tooth-colored composite resins, and dental amalgams.

• Crowns

When the decay has weakened or damaged a huge part of the tooth, our dentist will decide to use a crown. Our dentist will remove the damaged part and then shape your tooth to create the space for the crown since they are designed to cover the entire tooth.

They are made from gold, resin, porcelain-fused-to-metal, high-quality porcelain and other materials.

• Root Canals

When the decay progresses beyond the outer and middle layers of the tooth and it reaches the inner layer (pulp), then a root canal is the only option. Our dentist will drill into the tooth to reach the pulp, remove it, and clean the pulp chamber to clear the infection. The pulp will be replaced using gutta-percha and a filling.

• Tooth Extractions

When the decay has wreaked havoc and your tooth cannot be saved using a root canal, the only choice is to remove it to clear the infection.

Contact us at Brooklin Village Dental Care if you need tooth decay treatment.