Cavity Repair
A cavity is a small hole in your tooth that can become bigger over time. Cavities happen when plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) forms on your teeth and the bacteria produce acids that eat away at your tooth enamel (the hard outer layer of your tooth).
Fortunately, cavities are preventable and treatable. Keep reading to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of cavities.
How painful is a cavity?
Cavities don’t usually cause pain in the early stages. However, as they progress and reach the pulp of your tooth, they can be quite painful. At this point, you may experience sensitivity to hot or cold drinks and foods, as well as pain when you bite down.
If you wait too long to get a cavity treated, it can even lead to an infection and may lead to a root canal if not treated in time.
Can you heal a cavity?
The answer, unfortunately, is no. Once a cavity forms, it cannot be reversed. However, that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing you can do. With proper dental care, you can prevent cavities from getting worse and causing further damage to your teeth.
What does a cavity look like?
There are a few different ways to tell if you have a cavity. First, you may notice that your tooth feels sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. This is because the enamel around the cavity has begun to break down, exposing the sensitive inner layers of your tooth.
Another way to tell if you have a cavity is by looking at your teeth in the mirror. If you see a small black spot or hole in your tooth, chances are you have a cavity. However, it’s important to note that not all cavities are visible.
Is it too late if a cavity hurts?
A lot of people think that if a cavity doesn’t hurt, there’s no problem. But that’s not true! By the time a cavity hurts, the damage has already been done. Don’t wait until it hurts to get it checked out by a professional!
Intense or throbbing pain is another sign of a cavity. You may need emergency dental care if the pain is preventing you from sleeping or performing daily tasks.
Signs you have a cavity
1) You Have Toothache Pain
One of the first signs of a cavity is toothache pain. If you’re experiencing pain in one or more of your teeth, especially when you bite down, or sensitivity to hot or cold, it could be a sign that you have a cavity. If the pain is severe, or if it persists for more than a few days, you should see your dentist as soon as possible.
2) Your Teeth Look Different
Another sign of cavities is changes in the way your teeth look. If you notice that one of your teeth looks darker than the others, or has pits or holes in it, these could be signs of decay. Changes in the texture of your teeth can also be indicative of cavities; if your teeth feel rough or have raised bumps on them, it’s time to see the dentist.
3) You Have Bad Breath That Won't Go Away
Finally, another sign that you might have a cavity is bad breath that doesn’t go away, no matter how much you brush and floss. This is because cavities provide an ideal environment for bacteria to grow; as the bacteria multiply, they release toxins and gases that cause bad breath. If you’ve been struggling with chronic bad breath, it could be a sign that you have tooth decay.
If you’re noticing any of these signs, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Cavities don’t go away on their own, and they will only get worse over time if they’re not treated.
Once a cavity has progressed to a certain point, it may require a root canal or even tooth extraction; neither of these procedures are fun, so it’s best to catch cavities early and get them taken care of before they cause serious damage.
Types of cavities
Smooth surface cavities
Smooth surface cavities are also known as “baby bottle tooth decay” or “early childhood caries.” They usually form in babies and young children who drink sugary beverages from bottles or sippy cups. The sugary liquid pools around the teeth and leads to cavities.
The best way to prevent smooth surface cavities is to avoid sugary drinks. If you do give your child sugary drinks, make sure they brush their teeth afterward.
So, what exactly are root cavities? Root cavities are pockets of decay that form at the root of a tooth. They are caused by bacteria that build up in the mouth and create plaque.
Plaque is a sticky film that coats the teeth and gums. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar. Tartar is very difficult to remove and can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning.
Pit and fissure cavities
Pit and fissure cavities are a type of tooth decay that occurs in the grooves on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars). These grooves, also known as fissures, are very deep and difficult to clean with a toothbrush. This makes them prime real estate for plaque buildup, which can lead to cavities.
Gumline cavities are a common dental issue that can be found in both adults and children. The cause of this condition is when the roots of your teeth become exposed because their gum tissue has receded leaving them vulnerable to decay as well pain from untreated toothaches or headaches caused by pressure on these sensitive areas.
Smile Gallery
Images of teeth viewed here are for example purposes only and do not represent TDT clients.
Why the Dental Team Is Your Trusted Partner for cavity repair:
The Dental Team is a family-oriented dental practice, and people come to us for dental fillings for the following reasons:
- Ten convenient locations in Milton, Mississauga, Brampton, and Vaughan, serving the surrounding areas
- Extended hours
- Emergency dental services
- 35 dentists, including seven dental specialists
- Welcoming environment
- Satellite TVs with headphones so you don’t have to listen to drilling
- Help understanding your insurance coverage
We believe that taking care of your dental health should be as easy and relaxing as possible, and we work hard to create a welcoming environment for our patients and their families. Contact us at The Dental Team today to set up an appointment for a dental filling.
The Dental Team Is The GTA Go-To Source for Cavity Repair with Dental Fillings
We are honest, caring, detailed-oriented dentists. We also use digital X-ray equipment that allows us to diagnose the need for dental fillings quickly and accurately.
Contact us at The Dental Team today to learn more about dental fillings.
