Cavities are permanently damaged areas of your teeth’s hard surface that develops into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also known as tooth decay are induced by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, drinking sugary drinks and failing to clean your teeth properly, says the best dentist in Newtown.
Diagnosis
Typically, your dentist can detect tooth decay by:
- Inquiring about tooth pain and sensitivity
- Examining your mouth and teeth
- Probing your teeth with dental instruments to look for soft areas
- Examining dental X-rays, which can reveal the extent of cavities and decay.
Your dentist will also be able to tell you whether you have a smooth surface cavity, a pit, or a root cavity.
Treatment
Regular dental checkups can detect cavities and other dental conditions before they cause bothersome symptoms and lead to more serious issues. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of reversing and preventing the early stages of tooth decay. If a cavity is treated before it causes pain, you may not require extensive treatment, says the dentist of the dental clinic in Rajarhat, Kolkata.
Cavity therapy is determined by the severity of the cavity and your specific situation. Among the treatment options are:
Fluoride treatments
If your cavity is still in its early stages, a fluoride treatment can help repair your tooth’s enamel and can sometimes reverse a cavity. Fluoride treatments can be applied to the teeth as a gel, liquid, foam, or they can be placed in a small tray that fits over your teeth.
Fillings
When decay has progressed beyond the initial stage, fillings, also known as restorations, are the primary healing option. Fillings can be formed of various materials, including tooth-colored composite resins, porcelain, or dental amalgam, which is a composite of many components.
Crowns
A crown – a custom-fitted covering that replaces your tooth’s whole natural crown — can be needed if you have considerable decay or weaker teeth. Your dentist extracts all decaying region and enough of the remaining tooth to ensure a proper fit. Crowns can be composed of gold, high-strength porcelain, porcelain bonded to metal, or various other materials, says the dentist of the top dental clinic in Salt Lake.
Root canal
A root canal can be needed if decay affects the interior substance of the tooth (the pulp). The infected tooth pulp is extracted. To heal any infection, medication is occasionally inserted into the root canal. The pulp is then replaced with a filling.
Tooth extractions
Some teeth get so poorly decaying that they can no longer be fixed and must be extracted. When you have a tooth extracted, it might leave a gap that allows your other teeth to move. Consider getting a bridge or a dental implant to replace the lost tooth.
For more details, contact The Newtown Clinic, the best dental clinic in Newtown.