Dental caries, also called cavities and tooth decay, are preventable and common. We’ve probably experienced or will suffer from one cavity at some point in our lives. It’s not easy to realize you have dental caries problems because many cavities are painless. So, you need to visit a dentists office for regular dental appointments to help detect your tooth decay earlier. Here’s is what you should understand about dealing with, preventing, and treating dental caries.
Causes of Dental Caries
Dental caries are caused by bacteria and damaging substances like acid that stick to your teeth. After you eat, bacteria in your mouth mix with your food remnants and acid, creating a sticky substance called plaque. If you don’t remove plaque by brushing and flossing, it builds up or hardens into a substance called tartar.
Tartar and plaque, in addition to acids and bacteria, can erode your tooth enamel, causing holes called dental caries or cavities. Dental caries start as small, shallow holes. If left untreated, they become deeper and larger and potentially cause tooth destruction or loss.
Common Symptoms of Dental Caries
You might experience symptoms of dental caries occasionally or all the time. At times, some of dental caries’ symptoms can be severe. Dental caries symptoms are found in your mouth. They include:
- Toothache
- Pain when chewing
- Holes in the surface of your teeth
- Sensitivity to cold or hot beverages and food
Symptoms That Might Cause a Severe Condition
In some cases, dental caries can become a severe condition that warrants an emergency dental appointment. Seek immediate medical care at any dental office if you or your loved one is or have any of the following symptoms:
- Severe pain or swelling in the jawbone
- Severe toothache that over-the-counter pain pills can’t control
Treatment Options for Tooth Cavities
Visit a dentists office and discuss uncomfortable symptoms like tooth pain or sensitivity. An oral examination will help your dentist identify tooth decay. Treatment options depend on your condition. Here are a few ways to treat dental caries:
- Tooth fillings: The dentist uses a drill to remove decayed materials from your tooth. The tooth is then filled with a substance like gold, silver, or composite resin.
- Crowns: Here, your dentist places a custom-fit cap over your tooth to replace its natural crown.
- Root canal: The root canal procedure removes the blood vessel tissues, nerve tissue, and any decayed parts of your tooth. Your dentist then examines your tooth for infection and applies medication to roots as required. The tooth is then filled, and the crown might even be replaced.
Are you dealing with dental caries? Visit a dentists office to ensure your teeth are cleaned for a healthy mouth. They’ll check for abnormalities that might go unnoticed and that can signify dental caries. Your dentist will ensure your bones are strong and help you correct any habit that might sabotage your general oral health, so be sure to call Sninski and Schmitt Family Dentistry for any concerns. Luckily, we have two convenient locations. You can reach us at our Holly Springs dentist office at (919) 600-6262 and our Cary, NC dentist office at (919) 467-2203. Or, you can fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.