You might want to head to a general dentist if you find yourself dealing with a cavity. Cavities are tiny holes that form on teeth because of tooth decay. Acids created by oral bacteria eat away at teeth surfaces, creating those tiny holes. Other symptoms include reoccurring toothaches, increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods, and bad breath.
Cavities do not disappear on their own when left untreated. An untreated cavity will continue to expand until it leaves the tooth’s pulp chamber compromised. It can even lead to most of the visible part of the tooth falling out or an infection.
The severity of a patient’s cavity determines how a general dentist decides to approach fixing it. Commonly used treatment options include the following.
Fillings are used to close up cavities, preventing them from further expanding. The process involves removing decayed material from the tooth, cleaning the area, and applying the putty-like filling to the tooth.
Composite bonding is a more popular option than fillings because it can be color-matched with the patient’s teeth, unlike silver amalgam fillings. Bonding can be used to close up cavities and repair teeth structures that have been damaged by decay.
This treatment infuses a patient’s teeth with fluoride, re-mineralizing it. Fluoride treatments can reverse tooth decay if performed during the early stage of decay. The treatment involves biting down on a mouth tray that has been filled with a fluoride solution.
Crowns are typically recommended when a cavity has severely damaged a tooth. A crown can be used to hold the tooth together so it does not fall apart, and it protects the tooth from further decay. A crown also restores the appearance and function of the tooth it covers.
Think of these as partial crowns that are recommended when a cavity is too large to be fixed with a filling, but not quite damaged enough for a crown. Onlays and inlays are made in dental labs just like crowns, and they are cemented to the patient’s teeth.
Root canals are performed when a cavity has reached a tooth’s pulp chamber. The area contains the tooth’s nerve, blood vessels, and connective tissues. These soft tissues are vulnerable to infection when left exposed to irritants in the mouth. A root canal cleans out the pulp chamber and seals the tooth back up. Teeth that have been repaired with a root canal are typically covered with crowns to protect them.
If a cavity is left untreated, the tooth might become infected. A tooth infection that threatens to spread to other parts of the body via the bloodstream might prompt a dentist to recommend an extraction.
Dealing with one or more cavities? Call or stop by our Memphis clinic to learn more about your treatment options.
Request an appointment here: https://familydentalmemphis.com or call Dental Partners White Station at (901) 201-4577 for an appointment in our Memphis office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Memphis, TN.
Dental implants are the most popular teeth replacement option these days. These oral prosthetics look and feel like real teeth, plus they do not require anything besides brushing and flossing to keep them in excellent condition.Dental implants do not directly replace missing teeth; instead, they replace the roots that come out with teeth when they…
Dental fillings play a crucial role in preserving and restoring your oral health. Dentists use them to repair severe tooth decay and cavities, preventing the damage from worsening. Many people have questions and concerns about this dental procedure. This blog will address the most common questions about dental fillings and provide the information you need…
Teeth whitening treatments are a great way to enhance the appearance of your smile and increase your confidence. These treatments involve using peroxide-based bleaching agents to remove stains from teeth surfaces and deep within them.Also known as teeth bleaching, teeth whitening treatments can whiten teeth by up to eight shades during a single session. In-office…
Dental implants are a relatively new and effective way to replace teeth, but only some are considered ideal candidates. To help determine if you are, we require all our patients to undergo a consultation. This guide will review what we check for to approve a patient for candidacy.Periodontal (gum) disease is a condition that causes…