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 Commerce clinic to learn more about your treatment options.
Request an appointment here: https://www.sunshinedentalcommerce.com or call Sunshine Dental Group at (323) 743-4273 for an appointment in our Commerce office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Commerce, CA.
Understanding the key differences between a dentist and an orthodontist can help patients determine which specialist they need for their oral health care. While both professionals focus on maintaining and improving oral health, their roles, training, and areas of expertise differ significantly. A dentist typically handles general dental care, while an orthodontist specializes in diagnosing…
Visits to your general dentist are done routinely, which for most people is twice per year or every six months. Sometimes, your dentist may recommend a deep dental cleaning. What is that? In this article, we will review what a dental cleaning is and when you might be due for one.Just like spring cleaning in…
Cleanings from a general dentist are encouraged once every four to six months. This is a routine visit that does not take long to complete, and it can significantly reduce the risk of dental cavities, gum disease, and other oral health concerns. This guide discusses what you can expect when getting a cleaning from a…
General dentists have a lot of ways to help patients improve their dental health because this is what they are trained to do. Their goal is to provide resources for improving dental health, as well as preventive measures that can benefit the teeth and gums. However, in some cases, it is important for patients to…
A cosmetic dentist focuses on the look and balance of the teeth and gums. With the help of a cosmetic dentist, many people can feel better about their smile. These treatments fix appearance issues, such as stains, chips, and gaps. Modern tools and materials make it possible to get natural results with little to no…
A root canal is one of the most effective treatments for saving a natural tooth and preserving oral health. While they have a negative reputation for being painful, this is no longer the case with modern pain management techniques. General dentists prioritize patient comfort during and after a root canal. Understanding the root canal process…