A cavity is a hole in your tooth caused by decay. Every day, a sticky film called plaque builds up in your mouth. When you eat sugary or starchy foods, the plaque becomes acid and atttacks your tooth enamel. Over time, this acid can wear away the enamel, leading to cavities. 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.
Dental cavities are common oral health concerns. The most significant contributing factor to tooth cavities is diet. You can avoid cavities will a more healthy diet that includes less sugary and starchy foods and more water and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Symptoms of Dental Cavities
Cavities can feel different for everyone. Sometimes, you might not even notice any problems at first. That’s why seeing Dr. Gauthier for regular checkups is so important. He can spot early signs of decay before you feel anything. These visits help stop small problems from turning into big ones.
Common signs you have a cavity may include:
- Toothache
- Sensitive teeth
- Holes in the teeth
- Sore gums or bleeding gums
Treating Tooth Cavities in Northborough, MA
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. Sometimes your tooth may need a dental crown to keep it stable and functional.
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. We use CEREC to create high-end dental restorations in just one visit to save you time and money. We understand that cavity treatments can cause anxiety for many patients. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible during any procedure. 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.
At our family dental office, we love helping kids keep their teeth strong and cavity-free so they can enjoy a healthy smile for life. To protect your child’s teeth, make sure they visit us every six months for a checkup. Regular dental visits are the best way to prevent cavities and teach good brushing habits early.
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 about tooth cavities in Northborough, MA:
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 remove your tooth. Quick treatment can prevent invasive and expensive treatment.
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 when eat and drink hot or cold things. Those are signs 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. 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.
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 you need 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?
Fluoride works best when cavities are just starting to form. If you catch tooth decay early, good brushing habits and fluoride can help stop it and may even heal the tooth before a cavity gets worse.
Can my tooth still hurt after a filling?
Many patients experience some sensitivity after a filling. However, this shouldn’t last more than a week or two. Call us immediately if you’re experiencing any severe pain or sensitivity after 2-4 weeks. We may apply a desensitizing agent or recommend a root canal.
What can a dentist do if you have many cavities?
We’ll 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 our dentist. Schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Gauthier for you and your family today. You can also call Apex Dental to treat a tooth cavity in Northborough, MA, at (508) 506-1691.