fillings

If you believe you’re showing signs of having a cavity present, it’s important to make an appointment at Young Family Dental to have it treated as soon as possible. If left untreated, a cavity can begin to attack the healthy parts of your tooth and result in irreversible damage. Here are the signs of cavities, how we treat them, and why treatment for them is so important. 

What is a Cavity?

A cavity, also known as tooth decay, is an area in your tooth that has decayed so badly that it requires restoration. A cavity can attack the enamel, as well as the dentin and pulp (which contains nerves and blood vessels). Mayo Clinic explains that this decay is permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. They are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well.

What Causes Cavities?

Cavities are caused by cavity-causing bacteria that live inside the mouth. These cavity-causing bacteria survive on the sugars and carbs you eat or drink throughout each day, which they ferment to produce acid. This acid begins the cavity-causing process by eroding the enamel of your teeth after just 20 minutes of exposure. If you continue to consume these cavity-causing foods, this damage will escalate until it penetrates the dentin layer and reaches the nerve inside your tooth. At this point, you will start to feel pain and should make an appointment to visit a dentist immediately.

Symptoms of a Cavity

Tooth decay can come with uncomfortable symptoms, but it can be difficult to see. Since cavity-causing bacteria live inside your mouth, it can be difficult to identify if you have one without the help of a dentist. However, you could notice common signs and symptoms each day, such as: 

– sensitivity to prolonged cold or hot temperatures

– pain in your mouth when you eat

– teeth grinding or clenching

– bad breath

– swelling of the gums around your teeth

How Do We Treat a Cavity?

When a cavity is first discovered, your dentist will numb any pain you’re feeling by applying a gel that numbs the tooth or injecting it with novocaine. After this, they will use close-up X-rays of the cavity to get a full look at the damage that has occurred. This is for two reasons: it shows us exactly what we’re dealing with, and allows us to pinpoint how deep the cavity is so we can decide on the best treatment plan. Your dentist will then use cavity-preventing treatments, such as fluoride, bonding or fillings to restore your cavity.

What are Fillings?

A cavity or filling, also known as a restoration or sealant, is used to restore the cavity-causing damage that has occurred in your tooth. A filling is a treatment for teeth damaged by decay that restores back to its normal function and shape while preventing further decay.

Other Cavity Treatments

In some cases, cavity damage may be too extensive to reach the cavity with a needle. In these incidents, your dentist will numb any pain you’re feeling by applying a gel that numbs the tooth or injecting it with novocaine.

After this, they will use close-up X-rays of the cavity to get a full look at the damage that has occurred. This is for two reasons: it shows us exactly what we’re dealing with, and allows us to pinpoint how deep the cavity is so we can decide on the best treatment plan. Your dentist will then use cavity-preventing treatments, such as fluoride, bonding or fillings to restore your tooth.

Why Cavity Treatment is Important

Have you neglected a cavity in your tooth? Tooth decay is important to address the problem with a cavity treatment or by filling that cavity. If left untreated, a cavity can lead to something much more serious such as an abscessed tooth or even the loss of the infected tooth. Further, cavity treatment is important to prevent the decay from getting worse and spreading to additional teeth.

Make an Appointment with Young Family Dental

If you’re experiencing the signs and symptoms of a cavity, don’t wait any longer to get it checked out. With several different locations throughout Utah, Young Family Dental is here for you when you need us. Find a location nearest you and make an appointment today!