Cavities are a common dental issue that, when left untreated, can cause discomfort and affect oral health. A general dentist offers a variety of options for cavity treatment. Visiting the dentist for routine appointments can prevent tooth decay or repair the damage as soon as possible.
Cavities, also known as dental caries, occur when bacteria in a person's mouth produce acids that erode tooth enamel. This erosion causes small holes (cavities) to form in the teeth. Without proper treatment, cavities can get larger, affecting deeper tooth layers.
Symptoms of cavities may include:
Patients often do not experience symptoms of a cavity. That is why attending regular dental appointments for evaluations and cleanings is important, even when one's mouth feels fine. However, those experiencing toothache or mouth pain should schedule an appointment with their general dentist as soon as possible.
When you visit a general dentist for cavity treatment, the first step is typically a thorough examination of the teeth. During this examination, the dentist will visually inspect the patient's teeth and may also use dental instruments to probe for cavities. They may also use X-rays to assess the extent of the decay, particularly if they suspect the patient has cavities but cannot see them with their naked eye.
When the dentist detects cavities, they will recommend appropriate treatment options based on the severity of the decay. Some common cavity treatment options offered by general dentists include:
If the patient has a cavity in its early stages, the dentist may recommend a flouride treatment. A flouride treatment can help restore the tooth's enamel and sometimes resolve a cavity. Professional flouride treatments may be liquid, gel, foam, or varnish that the dentist applies to the patient's teeth or provides a small tray that fits over them.
Fillings are a dental restoration and one of the main treatment options for cavities. During this restoration procedure, the dentist removes the decay portion of the tooth, restoring the tooth's shape, strength, and function to prevent futher tooth decay. Fillings contain various materials, such as tooth-color composite resin, porcelain, or dental amalgam, that contain a combination of several dental materials. The material used depends on the location and size of the cavity.
Another dental restoration includes dental crowns. A dental crown is a custom-made cap that replaces the tooth's natural crown above the gumline. These restorations can restore the tooth's strength and appearance. To place the crown, the general dentist drills away the decayed area and ensures the crown securely fits on the tooth. Crowns may be made of gold, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or composite resin.
When tooth decay reaches the inner material of the tooth (the pulp), the patient may need to undergo a root canal. This procedure can help repair and save a severely damaged or infected tooth rather than extracting it. The general dentist removes the diseased tooth pulp and then cleans and disinfects the chamber of the tooth with an antibiotic. The dentist then seals the chamber with a dental filling. If needed, the dentist may also cap the treated tooth with a dental crown to provide extra durability and strength.
In cases where teeth are seriously decayed and beyond restoration, the dentist may recommend removal. Tooth extraction involves removing the entire tooth from its socket in the jawbone. While tooth extractions are considered a last resort, they may be necessary to prevent infection and other oral health complications. After an extraction, the dentist may recommend that the patient get a dental bridge or a dental implant to replace the missing tooth and prevent the adjacent teeth from shifting.
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Cavities can severely affect your overall oral health. A general dentist can help correct the damage and prevent further decay and complications. Call our Santa Monica office today to learn more about our cavity treatment options or schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment or call Pacific View Smile Center at 310-304-1854 for an appointment in our Santa Monica office.
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