Understanding Cavities and Why It's Important to Treat Them
Having a cavity in a tooth can be painful and something that needs to be taken care of right away. So it becomes essential to visit a dentist for prompt, reliable treatment. Reiser Dental is trusted for dental fillings, among many other general dentistry services. After a visit to our office, you’ll have a bright, beautiful smile, that is cavity-free. Our team strives to be gentle with our patients and compassionate when it comes to dealing with their fears and reservations about their dental appointments and procedures. When you need cavity fillings or other treatments, Reiser Dental is the best practice to visit in Denver, CO.
What is a tooth cavity?
A tooth cavity is, to be as simple as possible, pretty much a hole in the outer layer of your tooth. Your teeth have a few layers. You have a protective layer on the outside. pH changes and demineralization can eat away at this layer, causing a little cavitation, which is why we call it a cavity.
Is not brushing teeth the only reason for cavities?
Unfortunately, no. There are multiple reasons why you can get cavities. Not brushing your teeth is definitely a major reason, but there are other causes. Simple changes in pH, a lack of runny saliva, or dry mouth can cause cavities. Broken teeth can also lead to cavities. Although not brushing is a sure way to get a cavity, there are other ways that cavities can arise in your mouth.
How worried should I be about a cavity?
In general, with any disease in your body, you should be a little bit worried. Most times, with general checkups, if we're able to find a cavity quickly or early, we can apply certain materials to the tooth to prevent the cavity from progressing, so you don't even need a filling. Otherwise, the quicker we can take care of a cavity, the less work we're going to have to do, and the less likely it is to cause any more issues like a broken tooth, the need for a crown, a root canal, or even an extraction.
Is it too late if a cavity hurts?
No, it is not too late. More often than not, you're not really going to feel a cavity. When you do start feeling a cavity, it's usually because it's starting to affect your nerve, and that's where we start talking about a root canal. But no, it's never too late. Anytime you have any discomfort in your mouth, whether it's a cavity or something else, call us as soon as possible so we can take a look and address it.
How are cavities treated by a dentist?
We have multiple ways to take care of cavities and treat them. Here at Reiser Dental, we really focus on preventative dentistry. If we're able to catch a cavity before it's completely cavitated into your tooth, sometimes we can apply simple fluorides on top of the tooth to help stop and heal the cavity, preventing the need for a filling.
Otherwise, we do normal tooth-colored fillings to take care of cavities. Depending on the size, crowns may be needed. There are multiple options to take care of them, but normally a cavity is treated with a filling.
Once a cavity has been filled, can it come back?
That's a bit of a tricky question. The exact cavity won't come back, but even though we remove the cavity and replace it with a filling or another procedure, the natural tooth around that filling is still susceptible to getting another cavity.
So yes, in short, once a cavity is taken care of, there is always a chance of it returning. However, with excellent oral hygiene and regular follow-ups with us here at Reiser Dental, we should be able to prevent that from happening.
How can I prevent oral cavities?
It's very easy. Brushing and flossing, as we always recommend, is our number one way to prevent cavities. Follow-ups here with us are also crucial. Lots of times, we'll have cavities that are on the borderline of needing treatment, so we keep a close eye on them. Following up with us and having regular dental checkups is a great way to prevent cavities. Brushing, flossing, and visiting the dental office are the main ways to prevent them.
Avoiding Cavities and Dental Fillings
- Don’t skip brushing: Proper and frequent brushing and flossing go a long way to maintaining your oral health. We typically recommend brushing twice a day, along with remembering to floss and use a fluoride rinse.
- Eat right: While it might seem unrelated to your oral health, sticking to healthy foods and drinks can help keep your teeth in top shape. Sticky or acidic foods can increase your chances of needing a tooth filling. Replace sugary snacks with fruits and vegetables to help keep your teeth cavity-free.
- Visit us regularly: Most dentists recommend making an appointment twice a year, but high-risk individuals might need to see us more often. During your regular checkups, the team at Reiser Dental can provide extra protection against cavities, including additional fluoride treatments and dental sealants
How Do I Know If I Have a Cavity?
Few people enjoy a trip to the dentist, and many patients will avoid a visit at all costs. But that doesn’t mean you should put off an appointment with Reiser Dental when you suspect you have a cavity. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of developing a cavity and to make an appointment at your earliest convenience. Unfortunately, cavities can worsen over time and then call for more extensive treatments. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms and get in touch with Reiser Dental to inquire about a filling:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Pain when biting or eating
- Holes in the teeth
- Painful toothaches
- Stains on the teeth (may appear to be brown or black)
Addressing Cavities as Soon as Possible
Why is addressing tooth cavities early so critical? If left unchecked, unfilled cavities can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Fillings are designed to fill holes in the teeth, which can trap harmful bacteria if left open. Proper treatment from the team at Reiser Dental clears the cavity of any bacteria and prevents further damage to the tooth. Plus, dental fillings strengthen the foundation around the tooth, meaning chips and cracks are less likely going forward. A speedy, professional tooth filling is an excellent step toward avoiding a more severe infection and future root canals.
Am I at Increased Risk for Cavities?
As with most health conditions, some people are more prone to developing cavities than others. If you’re in a high-risk group, you may have to work a little harder to avoid tooth decay. Those with poor dental hygiene tend to develop more cavities, as so people who regularly consume sugary foods and eat snacks all day.
Age is also a risk factor for cavities, so you may need to increase the frequency of dental visits as you age. Some health conditions such as acid reflux or heartburn may also increase the chances of decay. Our team at Reiser Dental will keep you up to speed on the status of your oral health and where in your can improve in your daily routine.
How can I schedule a dental exam and cavity treatment?
If you’re looking for dental care you can trust, call us at (720) 797-5554 or email [email protected]. We’re here to help you have the smile you've always wanted!