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A cavity or tooth decay is a hole that forms in the tooth. Cavities initially are small in size and gradually become bigger if they are left untreated. Because most cavities do not cause pain initiallyin the beginning, it can be hard to realize that a problem exists. Regular dental checkups can detect cavity early.
According to the Ekdantam Dental Clinic, tooth decay and cavities are among the most common health risks in the world. Anyone with teeth might face cavities, babies as well.
Discovering that you have developed cavity can be surprising. This is particularly true for those who follow and maintain a good oral hygiene. Still, in the worst scenario that you have developed a cavity, there are multiple ways a cavity can be treated and prevent it from forming again.
The signs of a cavity varies according to the severity of the decay. It includes:
A tooth cavity is developed due to plaque, a sticky element that binds to teeth. Plaque can be a combination of:
Every individual has bacteria in their mouth. After you eat or drink anything that contains sugar, the bacteria in your mouth turns sugar into acid. Plaque starts to develop on your teeth instantly after eating or drinking anything that contains sugar. So regular brushing is essential.
Plaque adheres to the teeth, and the acid in plaque can gradually dissolve tooth enamel. Enamel is a hard, defensive covering on the teeth that protects it against tooth decay. After the tooth enamel weakens, the risk of cavity raises.
Everybody is at risk for tooth cavities, yet a few people tend to have a higher risk.
Cavities grow more frequently in the back teeth, as said by Ekdantam dental clinic. These teeth have openings and grooves that can trap bits of food particles. Also, it becomes the toughest task to reach these hidden corners of the teeth to brush and floss.
Inform the doctor regarding uncomfortable symptoms such as tooth sensitivity or a pain. A dentist can detect cavity after an oral checkup. Though, some cavities are not visible from an oral exam. So, your dentist may use a dental X-ray to look for cavity.
Treatments totally depend on severity of the condition. A cavity can be treated with multiple methods.
In this method the dentist uses a drill to remove the cavity from a tooth. The dentist then fills the tooth with a substance, such as gold, silver, or composite resin.
For more severe decay, the dentist will replace the natural crown of the tooth by placing a custom-fit cap over it. The dentist first removes the decayed tooth material before beginning the procedure.
When a cavity causes the death of a nerve or nerves, the dentist will perform a root canal to protect your tooth. They remove the nerve tissue, blood vessel tissues, nerve tissue, and all the other decayed sections of the tooth. A dentist then looks for infections and implements the required treatment to the roots. And finally, the tooth is filled or the dentist might even place a crown on it.
A dentist will proceed with fluoride treatment to restore the tooth enamel and prevent further decay if a tooth cavity is detected in its initial stage.
Tooth decay and cavities can be the major cause of discomfort and toothache. You would wish for the irritation or pain to go away while you wait for the dentist appointment. According to us (Ekdantam Dental Clinic), there are certain things you can follow to deal with the toothache temporarily:
A tooth cavity can result inmultiple complications if it is left untreated. Here are few symptoms:
You might damage your teeth in a manner which can’t be reversed if you avoid seeing a dentist. Now, the best way to fix the cavity is for the dentist to remove the tooth and replace it with a bridge or an implant.
Tooth cavity or decay is a typical dental issue, but by following these measures you can reduce the risk:
Note: The best precaution we recommend is to visit a dentist at least twice a year for regular dental checkups. This helps in detecting problem in its initial stage according to which the required treatment can be started preventing future dental troubles.