Cavities are most commonly a result of a combination of poor oral hygiene and diets high in sugars and carbohydrates.
Tooth decay is the leading oral health concern for children and adults. A largely preventable disease, tooth decay is a growing health epidemic that can affect not only your oral health, but your systemic health as well. Tooth decay may lead to a spread of bacteria resulting in receding gums, gum disease, tooth loss, or even bone loss without treatment.
Westside Dental Center offers teeth fillings, and a range of treatments for restoring a tooth damaged by decay. Treatment will vary depending on the extent of decay and stability of the natural tooth. Whenever possible Dr. Uttma Dham will attempt to preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. Keeping natural teeth intact helps support a more stable bite.
Treatment options for tooth decay include:
- Dental Filling
- Root Canal
- Tooth Extraction
- Dental Crown
- Inlay or Onlay
Preventing Tooth Cavities in Plantation, FL
The acidic byproduct left behind by disease-causing oral bacteria causes tooth decay. Bacteria feed on sugars that build up on and around the teeth. The acid eats away at the protective enamel layer of the tooth allowing bacteria to enter the pulp of the tooth. When this happens, a root canal or tooth extraction may be necessary to restore a patient’s oral health and to prevent further spread of bacteria.
We may treat cavities using dental fillings, a root canal, or an extraction. This varies based on the severity of the cavity and decay. The sooner we catch and treat a cavity the easier it is to correct. We always attempt to treat cavities with fillings to preserve as much of patients’ natural tooth structure as possible.
Your number one defense against tooth decay is brushing and flossing twice a day for a full two minutes. Good at home oral hygiene should begin as the first tooth emerges in infancy. As soon as children show signs of teething, oral hygiene is important. Brushing and flossing remove the food particles, sugar, and bacteria that build upon and in between teeth.
Dr. Dham may make personalized recommendations on the best brushing techniques for your teeth and can help show you and your family the best way to floss. Dr. Dham recommends fluoride toothpaste and can answer your questions about other products that can help keep your mouth healthy at your biannual dental checkups.
Visiting the dentist twice a year is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Avoiding the dentist can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Biannual dental health exams allow Dr. Dham to catch signs of developing oral health concerns early, allow for more conservative treatment, and help you keep your natural teeth healthy for life.
Westside Dental Center is a no-judgment, welcoming, and warm dental office near you. We are here for all of your dental needs. We help patients preserve and rebuild their smiles so that they may enjoy optimal oral health for years to come.
Tooth Cavity FAQs
Do you have further questions about cavities and how we treat them? Continue reading to find answers to questions frequently-asked in our office.
How long can a tooth go with a cavity?
The more time you put off fixing a cavity, the worse it will become. The nerve of your tooth can become infected in as little as three to six months. The time it takes for a tooth to become infected varies depending on oral care, and the severity of your cavity. The longer a patient waits to fill a cavity the worse it will become. We recommend treating cavities early to ensure the infection does not spread.
Can a cavity go away by brushing?
To avoid cavities, you must floss regularly to remove food particles that have become lodged between the teeth and cause decay. Brushing your teeth is a good way to prevent cavities from forming, however, it will not make them go away. The problem is that once a cavity has formed, it’s almost impossible to brush the area to get the cavity to go away because a cavity is tooth decay.. Cavities require professional treatment.
How do you stop a cavity from spreading?
The best way to top a cavity from spreading is to seek treatment ASAP. In the meantime, it is important to be drinking lots of water, rinsing with saltwater, avoiding sugar and candies, and brushing and flossing well. Hydration and oral care are key to keeping a cavity from worsening.
How do I prepare myself for a cavity filling?
You don’t have to put in a lot of effort to be ready for your appointment for a filling. There’s no need to fast for the operation because it’s non-invasive. If you know you’ll feel anxious, attempt to book your filling appointment for early in the day and communicate any anxiety with your dentist. We can take preventative measures to make your procedure as comfortable and pain-free as possible.
How many times can a tooth be filled?
The maximum number of times a filling can be replaced is unspecified. Once the hole is too big, dentists usually stop replacing the filling. This varies from person to person and is based on the size and severity of your cavity. Your tooth loses strength once there is more filling material than natural tooth substance.
Do fillings hurt without an injection?
We will generally numb your mouth before beginning the filling process since the decaying tissue inside the tooth must be removed by a drill. This makes the procedure pain-free however you may feel slight pressure throughout the procedure. Without anesthesia, you may feel some minor irritation and discomfort.
Do fillings hurt the next day?
Experiencing sensitivity after having a cavity filled is a common problem. The typical discomfort associated with a filling should subside within a few days. We recommend that patients act with caution while eating the first few days after a filling. Many patients report sensitivity to hold and cold substances. We recommend calling our office if any sensitivity persists for more than a few days.
Schedule an Oral Health Evaluation Today
Dr. Dham is an experienced and compassionate dentist serving patients in Plantation, FL and surrounding communities near you. We take a personal and comprehensive approach to dental care.
Dr. Dham helps patients restore their smiles with general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry under one roof. Contact Dr. Dham at (954) 251-0640 or request a dental exam online.