Millions of people deal with dental cavities and these issues can lead to worsening health.
It’s important to understand the nuances of this condition and why it’s best to treat it as soon as possible. Too many people let their cavities sit and that can cause long-term issues including the loss of one’s tooth. To make sure that is not the case, a dentist is going to recommend fixing the cavities right away. They will make use of modern dental techniques to do so and the results will be impressive.
Here’s more on cavities and how they are fixed by a dentist.
What are Cavities?
Cavities are one of the most commonly treated issues at a dentist’s office.
in general, a cavity will pop up when a tooth starts showing signs of decay or breakage. The word “cavity” means hole and is something that isn’t going to heal on its own. This means the hole will only get larger and larger with time.
Cavities happen for a reason and it often has to do with the development of plaque. This is bacteria that collect on top of the tooth and can be described as a sticky substance. The germs start to eat away at the tooth, which causes the cavity to pop up. This is why brushing one’s teeth is important as it can keep the plaque away. However, even in the best case scenarios, cavities can become a reality for patients.
Anyone that doesn’t take action may be left with the acid digging through the top surface as it chips away at the inner layers. This is when a person may start to notice signs of discomfort and other flashes of pain that may not seem normal. The reason for this has to do with the nerves inside each tooth. These are going to respond as soon as the root is exposed.
Fixing Cavities
So, what does it take to fix a cavity once it has been noted as a problem?
Cavities are going, to begin with a detailed diagnosis to determine whether or not there are multiple issues at hand. Sometimes, cavities are just a part of the problem with people having gingivitis as well. This information is going to vary from case to case, which is why a dentist is going to take their time analyzing the teeth. They will look at each tooth to see how they’re doing and what changes have to be made.
The goal is to stop the erosion and that is going to be done with the help of a customized filling.
The first step is to dry the mouth and that is going to be done with the help of a specialized tube that is able to suck up liquid in the oral cavity. After this is done, the dentist or their helper will begin to apply some form of numbing gel near the area to help tone down the pain associated with this treatment. In larger cases, a patient may receive a special shot near the tooth.
After this step is done, the dentist is going to take the time to work out how the filling will be set up. They are going to make use of a drill that is going to help get through the plaque. If that is the case, you are definitely going to get a shot for the process. During this process, the suction tube is still going to be used to make sure the mouth is as dry as it needs to be at all times.
If the dentist is happy with how the tooth is set up, they are now going to take a liner that will be set up on the tooth to make sure it is safe. This is to make sure the tooth isn’t sensitive once the procedure is done and the filling is established.
The filling material is going to vary depending on what the dentist things are the right option for your case. For example, some dentists may prefer the idea of using amalgam fillings, which are rock hard and are ideal for molars or any tooth that is at the back of the mouth. While other cases may demand composite fillings which are made of glass/quartz as they are ideal for smaller parts of the mouth.
In other situations, a dentist may look to start using ceramic fillings because these are great for avoiding stains.
For rare situations, a dentist can also recommend the use of metal, glass, or acrylic fillings that are good for preserving teeth and making sure teeth last for a while without cavities popping up.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many options to work with and the process is going to be an extensive one. Dentists spend years learning the art of fillings and will know how to do things the right way.
Whether it is a simple filling or a more robust root canal treatment, they are going to have the expertise to get the job done. It’s always best to speak with the dentist and see what they have to say before moving forward with the procedure. Fillings can often be done in one setting and root canal treatments may require a longer procedure to ensure everything is managed properly.
Don’t be afraid to learn more about the process before getting started and ensure the dentist is a reputable one.
This is an important part of one’s oral health and has to be handled by a professional that has years of expertise. Along with making sure you are going to a qualified dentist, please make sure to spend time on your oral regimen to ensure the teeth are in good health for as long as possible. This is the best way to ensure you are in good shape and don’t have to fret about cavities all the time!
Yes, your habits do go a long way and this is something the dentist will also mention during the dental process for fixing cavities.