If you hear the dreaded words, you have a cavity; there is some good news. While it isn’t ideal to hear, treatments have come a long way in the dental world. It is best to get them taken care of immediately, so they do not go deeper into your tooth, but with dental fillings, your treatment can happen quickly and effectively with little discomfort.
This is an area of your tooth that is damaged, resulting in a small tooth opening. This is not uncommon and is usually the result of bacteria from plaque. Plaque builds up easily, especially with certain foods. Things like sugary drinks, milk, chips, and hard candies are more likely to stick to your team for a longer time, therefore increasing the likelihood of buildup.
There are a few other factors that can come into play and contribute to the possibility of decay. For instance, back teeth (like molars) are more challenging to get to when brushing, and therefore can more easily be missed in cleanings. Saliva and drinking water helps rinse your mouth from particles, so those suffering from dry mouth may also find themselves with more dental issues. Medical conditions like heartburn or eating disorders produce more acid in the body, which can eat away at the enamel in our teeth, causing them to be more brittle or susceptible to bacteria. If you have a hole in your tooth or bacteria, you will often experience toothaches, sensitivities, pain when eating, or stains on your teeth. The holes may be visible, and you may also be particularly vulnerable to hot and cold temperatures.
If your dentist believes you need treatment for your tooth or multiple teeth, they will proceed with the dental filling procedure. This repairs any cracks, chips, or broken areas of the tooth, ‘filling’ the missing area. The dentist will use an anesthetic to numb the affected area. Typically, this will only numb the section of the mouth where the treatment is needed. You may feel a pinch with the anesthetic, but it numbs you quickly to make sure you feel little to no pain.
Next, a drill or laser will remove any areas of the tooth. Your provider will poke around occasionally to ensure they have removed all the decay. Then, the dentist will enter the filling material with lasers that are set with a special light. They will smooth out the material and ask you to feel the spot with your tongue to be comfortable and natural. Then, you can be on your way!
If you believe you may have a cavity, schedule an appointment with your dentist so they can see if you need a dental filling. Catching the process in its early stages is pivotal to being pain-free and stopping further damage. Practice regular dental hygiene, such as tooth brushing, to prevent the development of bacteria.
Request an appointment here: https://www.aboutdentalcare.com or call About Dental Care at (435) 359-0147 for an appointment in our St. George office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cavity in St. George, UT.
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