What are cavities?
A cavity, also called tooth decay, is a hole that forms in your tooth. Cavities start small and gradually become bigger when they’re left untreated. Because many cavities don’t cause pain in the beginning, it can be hard to realize that a problem exists. Regular dental appointments can detect tooth decay early.
Symptoms of tooth cavities
The symptoms of a cavity depend on the severity of the decay. They include:
- tooth sensitivity
- tooth pain
- a visible hole in your teeth
- black or white staining on your teeth
Treatment options for tooth cavities
Treatment options depend on severity. There are several ways to treat a cavity.
Tooth fillings
A dentist uses a drill and removes decayed material from a tooth. Your dentist then fills your tooth with a substance, such as silver, gold, or composite resin.
Crowns
For more severe decay, we may place a custom-fit cap over your tooth to replace its natural crown. We will remove decayed tooth material before starting this procedure.
Root canal
When tooth decay causes the death of your nerves, your dentist will perform a root canal to save your tooth. They remove the nerve tissue and any decayed areas of your tooth. We then check for infections and applies medication to the roots as needed. Finally, we fill the tooth, and we might even place a crown on it.
Preventing cavities
To prevent cavities and tooth decay, it’s important to practice good dental hygiene. This includes:
- brushing your teeth twice a day
- flossing between your teeth
- rinsing with mouthwash
- getting regular dental cleanings and check-ups
- limiting snacking and sipping on sugary drinks
- using fluoride treatments (if recommended by a dentist)