Tooth decay is a common public health concern that affects patients of all ages, from toddlers to adults. Most patients will experience some degree of tooth decay during their lifetime. Dentists recommend treatment early in development when it is most conservative.
Dental cavities can lead to an infected root canal and potentially needing a tooth extraction if the patient does not seek treatment. Fuller Dental provides treatment options for restoring a decayed tooth.
Did you know you can prevent tooth decay?
Preventing tooth decay requires good oral hygiene habits and regular visits to the dentist office. Visiting the dentist at least once every six months is key to preventing tooth decay. Professional teeth cleanings can clean deep into the gums and access all surfaces of teeth. The goal is to remove all the built-up plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas.
Brushing and flossing twice daily helps remove food from between the teeth. During your dental exams, your Fuller Dental dentist can provide you and your children personalized tips and tricks for better oral hygiene habits.
Good oral hygiene habits help to prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar on the surface of teeth. Bacteria feed on the sugary plaque and tartar and begin to multiply, leaving behind an acidic by-product that erodes the tooth’s enamel. Once the tooth is compromised, the pulp becomes susceptible to infection and will require treatment.
Treatment for Dental Cavities
Fuller Dental offers a range of services to treat any stage of a tooth cavity. When caught early, tooth decay can be treated using a routine dental filling. A dental filling is a common treatment used in our Burlington, NC dentist office.
A dental filling can help restore a damaged tooth back to normal function and shape. We offer many types of fillings, including gold, amalgam, composite, and porcelain dental. One of our dentists will examine your teeth to determine which filling will work best for you.
The dentist may recommend porcelain restoration for teeth with larger cavities, such as an inlay, onlay, or dental crown. A dental crown can be custom designed to color-match your natural teeth. It will help stabilize your tooth and protect it from further damage.
If you have a severe toothache, you may need a root canal. This will remove the diseased tissue from inside the tooth. Treatment for tooth decay will vary depending on the progression of the decay. Visiting the dentist at least twice yearly allows for early diagnosis and conservative treatment.
Dental Cavity FAQs
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems. Learn more about them by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
How long can cavities go untreated?
It’s important to get treatment as soon as possible, as they just continue to get worse. It only takes around three to six months for a cavity to reach the interior pulp of your tooth. When the infection reaches this, a dental filling won’t be enough to treat the decay. We’ll have to look into a root canal or even extraction of the tooth, depending on the severity.
When is a cavity too far gone?
Severe infection needs more than a dental filling. When there are large holes in your teeth, you may require a dental crown to stabilize your tooth. If the decay is too persistent to stop, or your gums are infected and can’t support your teeth like they need, extraction is the solution. While we offer tooth replacement options, we have to get your oral health on track first, before exploring those options.
Do cavities get worse with age?
Cavities in seniors have become more and more prominent. As we age, our gum tissue recedes more, exposing more of the soft part of your tooth. It’s easier for bacteria to get into this area of the tooth and start to eat through the protective layers.
How many cavities is normal?
The average adult gets at least three cavities in their lifetime. Typically, they have around three to four dental fillings in their mouths. Since cavities are so common, almost everyone you know has gotten at least one cavity.
How many cavities can I get filled at the same time?
Technically, there’s no limit to the number of cavities we can fill in one appointment. But filling them does take a toll on your mouth and they require time to heal. We don’t want to do too many at the same time and overwhelm your body and its healing process. Typically, we don’t recommend getting more than four cavities filled in the same appointment.
Do I have a cavity?
There are many different warning signs that can indicate a cavity. There may be visual cues like a darkened area on the tooth or an actual hole that you can see. You may experience pain focused in the area of that tooth or sensitivity when you’re eating and drinking, particularly very hot or cold items. If you have any of these symptoms, call our office immediately. Our diagnostic tools can confirm if you have a cavity.
Fuller Dental Addressing Your Dental Concerns
Fuller Dental offers dental care for your dental health concerns. Our dental care team helps to restore your smile by addressing dental concerns from common to complex. From whitening discolored teeth to repairing damaged or missing teeth, our dental care team can help you enjoy a more beautiful, healthy smile.
If you are looking for a compassionate, highly trained, and experienced dental health care team in the Burlington, NC region, contact Fuller Dental or request an appointment online.