What are dental cavities?
First and foremost, understanding exactly what a dental cavity is crucial. Essentially, our teeth are susceptible to acids in the mouth. You might have heard about the effects of acid and acid erosion in toothpaste commercials. A cavity is basically a soft spot on the tooth filled with bacteria. This soft spot forms because bacteria accumulate in specific areas of the tooth, often in the grooves, along the gum line, or between the teeth. Plaque and food debris build up in these areas, which are full of bacteria. The bacteria consume carbohydrates in your food and produce acid as a byproduct. Over time, if a spot gets chronic acid exposure, it develops a soft spot, which we call a dental cavity.
What causes cavities?
Cavities are primarily caused by the acid produced by bacteria in your mouth. Cavities form when bacteria are left uncontrolled. Bacteria accumulate in food debris and plaque, which is sticky and adheres to the teeth. When carbohydrates enter your mouth, the bacteria produce acid, leading to cavity formation. It doesn't happen in a single day but occurs over time if you don't manage the bacteria, sugar, and plaque effectively. Chronic exposure to acid in the same spot will eventually result in a cavity.
How does a dentist check for cavities?
Dentists check for cavities in several ways. Larger cavities often show up on x-rays, which are a common part of dental check-ups. However, not all cavities are visible on x-rays, especially smaller ones. Dentists also visually inspect the teeth for signs of decay, such as dark spots where there shouldn't be any. Dark shadows around silver fillings or staining around white fillings can indicate decay. Some dentists use cavity detection lasers to identify small cavities, which can be particularly useful for less experienced dentists or in hard-to-diagnose areas.
What are the stages of a cavity?
The development of a cavity is progressive. In the early stage, if a person hasn't had much recession and the tooth is mostly enamel, the cavity is isolated to the enamel. This is often referred to as incipient decay. It may not require treatment at this stage, depending on the dentist's judgment. Once the cavity breaks through the enamel and reaches the dentin, the softer, sensitive part of the tooth, it definitely needs treatment. If left untreated, the cavity can reach the nerve, causing it to die and necessitating a root canal. It's always best to treat a cavity early to preserve as much of the tooth as possible and keep it strong.
Can a cavity spread to other teeth?
Yes, cavities can spread to other teeth because they result from a bacterial infection. Bacteria don't isolate themselves to one tooth. Cavities often form between teeth, where bacteria produce acid that affects both teeth. If there is a large area of decay, the bacteria can spread to other parts of the mouth, increasing the risk of cavities elsewhere.
Is it possible for cavities to go away?
Generally, cavities do not go away on their own. In very early stages, called incipient cavities, some studies suggest that good home care combined with prescription-strength fluoride therapy might remineralize the enamel. However, this is rare and often unsuccessful because maintaining the necessary level of oral hygiene long term is challenging. Most cavities will progress, so early detection and treatment are crucial.
How do you stop a cavity from progressing?
The best way to stop a cavity from progressing is to see your dentist. Typically, the dentist will clean out the cavity and place a filling. If the cavity is large, a crown might be necessary. Early treatment is essential to prevent the cavity from growing, which would require more extensive and expensive procedures if left untreated.
How long do cavity fillings last?
The lifespan of a filling varies depending on the patient's habits and home care. With good oral hygiene and dietary habits, fillings can last 15 to 25 years. Regular dental check-ups every six months, or more frequently for some patients, are essential to monitor and maintain the fillings. Poor habits, such as infrequent brushing and flossing or a high-sugar diet, can shorten the lifespan of fillings significantly.
Can dental cleanings prevent cavities?
While dental cleanings themselves cannot prevent cavities, they are crucial for maintaining oral health. Regular cleanings remove tartar that irritates the gums and allow the dentist to identify early signs of cavities. They also provide an opportunity for the dentist to give advice on improving home care. Consistent dental visits help catch problems early, preventing them from developing into more significant issues.
If you have more questions or need a dentist, please contact me, Dr. Mike Hardcastle, at Village Dental Care in North Dallas. We'd love to take care of you. The number is (972) 992-5223.
Tooth Fillings
Stop Decay In Its Tracks
- Chew & eat without pain again
- White fillings blend into your smile
- Repair cavities & protect your oral health
Tooth Fillings
Fix Dental Damage With Tooth Fillings in Dallas
Even when you have a good oral hygiene routine, cavities and damage to your teeth can happen. When it does, you’ll most likely need a filling to get your smile back in shape. For natural-colored tooth fillings in Dallas, look no further than Village Dental Care. This simple procedure will:
- Ease your discomfort
- Match your other teeth for a lifelike appearance
- Prevent further damage to your smile
- Make it easy for you to enjoy your meals
- Maintain more of your healthy tooth structure
For tooth fillings in Dallas, call (972) 992-5223 for an appointment.
Smile With Ease With a Lifelike Dental Filling
About a quarter of adults have untreated cavities.Source.
As your dental team, we want the absolute best for your smile. That’s why we use metal-free fillings. We want to offer you the safest solution to your dental needs. They also blend seamlessly into your smile, unlike metal fillings.
As with any treatment, Dr. Hardcastle will explain why you need a filling. In fact, he’ll show you! He uses an intraoral camera so you can see what he sees during an examination.
If a filling is the best way for your smile to feel better, you have no reason to feel nervous. Here’s why:
- We use a local anesthetic to numb the area. You can also use sedation to relax. We have laughing gas or oral sedation with a small pill.
- You’ll benefit from our use of technology during your appointment. For example, we use digital X-rays to take clear pictures of your mouth.
- You can enjoy cozy perks like blankets, pillows, warm towels, and lip balm. We never want you to feel uncomfortable during your appointment.
Your filling procedure will only take one visit. You’ll feel confident about your smile again with a tooth-colored composite filling!
Remember, the best way to keep your smile looking and feeling great is regular visits to the dentist. So, be sure to schedule your next checkup. Ask us about our VIP Club if you don’t have insurance, so you can save on your dental care.
For tooth fillings in Dallas, call (972) 992-5223 for an appointment.