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 Port Chester clinic to learn more about your treatment options.
Request an appointment here: https://www.portchesterdentistry.com or call LB Dental P.C. at (914) 908-5459 for an appointment in our Port Chester office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Port Chester, NY.
Cosmetic dental services often involve using tooth-colored restorations to restore damaged, decayed, or discolored teeth. Restorations, like crowns, can be made from materials like gold, silver, and metal alloys, but these materials look nothing like natural teeth. Most patients prefer restorations made from materials that share properties with real teeth, like porcelain, ceramics, and composites.…
Cosmetic dental services, such as indirect fillings, can improve your smile and dental health. Many cosmetic dental services are elective rather than essential, but indirect fillings are restorative treatments for tooth decay and alternatives to conventional fillings. They are durable and fitted to the patient’s mouth and can be fabricated from materials like gold.Many patients…
Considering implant supported dentures? This hybrid tooth replacement option is one that provides patients with stability and a natural-looking smile. Implant supported dentures can be used to replace teeth on the upper or lower arch. In the event that the lower arch of teeth needs to be replaced, patients are often curious about how many…
Teeth whitening treatments are among the most popular cosmetic dental services used to improve the color of teeth. In-office whitening treatments should not be confused with the over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products sold at drugstores and supermarkets.In-office whitening involves using concentrated solutions that contain whitening compounds, like hydrogen peroxide, to remove stains from teeth. These products…