Understanding Dental Cavities and How to Avoid Them
What causes dental cavities?
Cavities can be caused by a number of reasons. A lot of the time, people assume that sugar is the number one cause of cavities, which is definitely up there, but also acidic things cause cavities because the bacteria in the plaque react with leftover sugars or leftover acids to create even more of an acid that can wear away the outer surface of the tooth, leading to decay inside the tooth.
How do you check for cavities during a dental exam?
We check for cavities in multiple ways. We take dental x-rays to check in between the teeth. We do physical examinations where we look at the teeth and use instruments to check for cavities. We also use a 3D scanner with infrared technology to check for cavities as well.
What are the stages of cavities?
There are several stages of cavities. When they're small, they can often be maintained with fluoride treatments if they're really tiny, and we can monitor those teeth to ensure they don't develop or progress. If they do progress, they start to get further into the enamel, and you may need filling treatment. We use white composite fillings to restore your natural tooth structure.
If they go past the enamel and into the dentin of the tooth, people start experiencing toothaches, cold sensitivity, and possibly chewing pain. At that point, fillings may still be an option, but more extensive treatment, such as a crown, might be necessary.
If they progress through the dentin layer and into the pulp or nerve of the tooth, treatment with either a root canal procedure to remove all the decay and bacteria is required. This is when you start to experience a throbbing toothache that doesn't go away, necessitating immediate attention. At that stage, root canal treatment or possibly an extraction or implant might be needed, depending on the situation.
Can dental cavities spread to other teeth?
Cavities can definitely spread to other teeth because they are caused by bacteria in our mouths. If you have something starting between the teeth, it's especially common for both sides of adjacent teeth to be affected, causing harm to more than one tooth.
Can small cavities be maintained?
It is possible for some small cavities to be maintained, ensuring they don't progress through the layers of the teeth. This can be done with fluoride treatments. Prescription fluoride toothpaste and nanohydroxy appetite toothpaste are also excellent fluoride-free options. It really depends on the teeth having very small cavities.
By making changes in our home care, we can prevent them from getting worse. Once the decay process has started, these measures can halt the process but cannot totally reverse what has already occurred.
How long do dental fillings last after having a cavity filled?
Cavity fillings last anywhere from a few years to 10 to 15 years. It really depends on your home care and eating habits. It's a multifactorial process. If you have great home care, your fillings can last a very long time. However, if you don't change your eating habits and your home care has issues that caused the cavities in the first place, your teeth may need restoration more frequently.
Are dental cleanings important?
Dental cleanings are a great preventative tool to ensure you don't get cavities. We make sure all of the teeth are thoroughly cleaned, bacteria is removed, and plaque buildup is eliminated. Regular visits help prevent cavities.
What to do if you suspect a cavity?
If you suspect you have a cavity, you should make an appointment. Come in, get an X-ray or a scan, and we'll see what's going on. Tooth sensitivity or chewing pain are signs that you may have a cavity starting.
Your dental health matters to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you’re looking for expert dental care near Richmond, MI, call (586) 800-2250 or email [email protected] to learn more. Ready to get started? Schedule your appointment below.