What are dental cavities?
Dental cavities, or dental caries, are areas of tooth decay caused by acids produced by bacteria in our mouth. When we eat sugary or starchy foods, bacteria can produce acid, and repeated acid exposure can gradually weaken the tooth and contribute to dental cavities.
How do dentists check for cavities?
Dentists check for cavities in a couple of ways. One is by examining the teeth with dental instruments and looking for changes that may indicate decay. We also use X-rays, especially for cavities between teeth, because we often can't see those areas directly during a visual exam. X-rays are another important way we check for cavities.
What are the stages of cavities?
Cavities can start in the first layer of the tooth, which is the enamel. Enamel is the hardest tissue in our body, but if the decay progresses, it can eventually move deeper into the tooth. The next layer is the dentin, and if the decay continues, it can eventually reach the pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels are located.
As a cavity becomes deeper, you may start to experience pain or sensitivity, although cavities don't always cause symptoms. If decay becomes extensive, the tooth may require more involved treatment and, in some cases, may no longer be able to be saved.
Can a cavity spread to other teeth?
A cavity itself doesn't directly spread from one tooth to another like an infection. However, neighboring teeth are exposed to the same bacteria, plaque, diet, and oral environment, so we sometimes see cavities developing on adjacent surfaces of teeth. On X-rays, it's common to see decay affecting neighboring teeth in the same area.
Can cavities go away on their own?
Very early changes in the enamel may sometimes be able to remineralize before a cavity forms. But once the tooth structure has broken down and a cavity has formed, it won't grow back and repair itself on its own.
If a cavity is left untreated, it can become larger. Sometimes what looks like a small area of decay on the surface can extend farther underneath the enamel, which is why it's important to have suspicious areas evaluated.
What is the best way to stop a cavity from progressing?
Once a cavity has formed and needs restorative treatment, we remove the decayed tooth structure and place a filling to restore the area. The earlier we take care of it, the more conservative the treatment may be. That's why finding and addressing tooth decay early is important.
How long do fillings last?
Fillings can last a long time, but how long they last depends on several factors. Your diet and oral hygiene can play a role because new decay can develop around the edges of a filling or in other areas of your mouth.
Fillings can also wear or need replacement over time. Keeping up with good home care and regular dental visits allows us to monitor your fillings and the surrounding tooth structure.
Can dental cleanings help prevent cavities?
Dental cleanings are one way to help prevent cavities as part of your overall preventive care. During your dental visits, we also check your teeth. If we notice an area that's starting to look chalky or otherwise concerning, we can evaluate it further because that may be an early sign of enamel demineralization.
As mentioned before, the earlier we identify changes in a tooth, the more options we may have for preventing or treating further decay.
Your dental health matters to us, and we're here to support you every step of the way. If you're looking for expert dental care near National City, CA, call (619) 377-7586 or email [email protected] to learn more. Ready to get started? Schedule your appointment below.