At some point, nearly everyone will be affected by a tooth cavity. The most significant contributing factor to tooth cavities is diet. You can actually avoid cavities by adopting a more healthy diet that includes less sugary and starchy foods and more water and fresh fruits and vegetables.
A tooth cavity is the result of tooth decay. Plaque is constantly forming in the mouth. When it comes in contact with sugar or starch, it activates bacteria which then attach to the tooth enamel. Over time, the tooth enamel breaks down and wears away, making the tooth vulnerable to cavity formation.
Dr. Robert Gauthier treats patients with tooth cavities in his Northborough, MA dental office. He helps prevent this dental concern from completely wearing down teeth and leading to tooth loss.
Symptoms of Dental Cavities
Symptoms of a tooth cavity can vary from one patient to another. Sometimes there may be no symptoms present at all when the cavity first develops. Dr. Gauthier is able to identify the early signs of tooth decay during your routine checkup. These dental appointments will also help avoid tooth decay and a cavity from getting worse.
Common symptoms of dental infection may include:
- Toothache
- Sensitive teeth
- Holes in the teeth
- Sore gums or bleeding gums
Treating Tooth Cavities
If you do have a tooth cavity or if your teeth are showing signs of decay, Dr. Gauthier may recommend a number of general dentistry treatments depending on the severity of your situation. The primary goal is to restore the tooth to proper health and minimize the risk of further decay.
Treatment for tooth cavities often involves a dental filling. Dr. Gauthier may either use a composite resin dental filling, porcelain filling, or gold filling. In other cases, the tooth may require a dental crown to restore stability and function.
If you have a severe decay that has allowed bacteria to enter the tooth, you may require a root canal, which will remove the diseased tissue inside the tooth. If left untreated, the tooth may become damaged beyond repair and will need to be extracted.
We have incorporated CEREC same-day dentistry technology into our office, allowing us to create high-end dental restorations in just one visit, saving you time and money. We understand that cavities and their necessary treatments can cause anxiety for many patients. It is our goal to make you as comfortable as possible during any procedure, and we offer several types of sedation dentistry, including wand anesthetic delivery.
Tooth Decay in Children
Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in America. Half of all first-graders and more than 80% of 17-year-olds have tooth cavities. As a family dentist office, we are passionate about helping our younger patients avoid dental problems, especially tooth decay, and build a lifelong healthy smile.
It is very important for you to help your children establish a regular dental routine by consistently bringing them in for a routine exam every six months. This is the best way to avoid dental cavities as well as establish healthy oral hygiene habits.
Dr. Gauthier is a Pediatric Dentist in Northborough, MA, and he can help your child with any dental problems they may be experiencing.
Tooth Cavity FAQs
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems. Read the answers to these frequently asked questions to learn more.
How long can I wait to go to the dentist if I have a cavity?
We recommend that you don’t wait at all. The longer you let the cavity go, the more damage it does to your tooth. If you let a cavity go untreated for over a year, you risk severe damage to the tooth. We may even have to extract your tooth. The faster we treat it, the less invasive and expensive the treatment is.
How do I know if a cavity reaches the tooth root?
A cavity slowly works its way through the layers of the tooth. When it reaches the root, it’s in the tooth’s center and leads to the need for a root canal. Since it’s in the center of the tooth, you can’t just look at it and see that it’s deepened. You may notice some pain and sensitivity, especially when you’re eating and drinking hot or cold things. Those are indicators that the decay is getting to the root.
Do I need to treat a small cavity?
Yes, you need to treat a small cavity. Even though it might not hurt right now, a small cavity can get bigger and cause more serious problems if you don’t take care of it. If left untreated, it could lead to pain, infection, or tooth loss. Getting it treated early, usually with a filling, can help keep your tooth healthy and prevent bigger issues later on. Talk to our dentist about any cavities you have.
Is a cavity worse if it hurts?
Someone may have a tiny cavity that causes a lot of pain, while someone with a larger cavity can feel no pain or sensitivity at all. Cavities can be completely asymptomatic. They vary widely and you never know how your mouth will react to the tooth decay. This is why it’s so important to have routine dental examinations.
Can cavities spread to other teeth?
Yes, they actually can. It’s all about the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Especially if you aren’t taking care of your teeth properly, they can transfer to other teeth. You can even get a cavity if you come into contact with saliva from someone that currently has cavities.
Can fluoride reverse cavities?
In the very early stages of cavity development, fluoride can have a big impact. This is during the first instances of demineralization. More diligent oral healthcare and exposure to fluoride help prevent further demineralization and can even reverse the process in some cases.
Is it possible for my tooth to still hurt after a filling?
Many patients experience some sensitivity after a filling. However, this shouldn’t last more than a week or two. If you’re experiencing any severe pain or sensitivity after 2-4 weeks, call us immediately. We may apply a desensitizing agent or recommend a root canal, depending on the circumstances.
What can a dentist do if you have many cavities?
We will provide a filling for each cavity. If your tooth is severely damaged, we may recommend a dental crown. A root canal can be beneficial if your tooth infection reaches the nerves within the tooth. In some cases, we may remove severely infected teeth that we cannot save with a filling, root canal, or crown. Our dentist will treat any number of cavities based on the stage of infection.
Address Tooth Infection Today
The best way to prevent tooth cavities is through regular visits to the dentist. Schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Gauthier for you and your family today. You can also call Apex Dental at (508) 506-1691.