Cavity Treatments
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What Is A Cavity?
A cavity is a permanently damaged area of the hard surface of a tooth that develops into a hole or opening. Cavities are caused by a combination of factors that lead to tooth decay, such as bacteria in the mouth, poor oral hygiene habits, and frequent snacking on sugary or acidic foods and drinks. Some individuals may also be more susceptible due to tooth enamel deficiencies, inadequate saliva production, misaligned teeth that are harder to clean, and worn fillings that create plaque traps.
Treating cavities promptly helps relieve any pain or sensitivity, prevent further decay that can lead to tooth loss, and preserve your natural teeth for years to come. Gentle Dental's restorative solutions not only repair damage but can renew the appearance of your smile with natural-looking, metal-free fillings or crowns. Our gentle technique aims to keep you comfortable throughout the process.
What Can We Help You With Today?
Our Approach
Cavity repair treatment at Gentle Dental starts with a thorough examination using advanced imaging technology to detect even the smallest areas of tooth decay. Depending on the extent of the cavity, treatment may involve removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling it with a tooth-colored composite resin material. For larger cavities, a crown or cap may be recommended to restore the tooth's structure and function.
What To Expect
During a cavity treatment, your dentist will first numb the area to ensure you're comfortable throughout the procedure. They'll then gently remove the decayed part of your tooth using special tools, cleaning out the cavity to prepare it for filling. Finally, your dentist will fill the cleaned cavity with a durable material, restoring the tooth's shape and function, and you'll be able to eat and drink normally once the numbness wears off.
After The Procedure
After getting a cavity filled, the numbness will gradually wear off over the next few hours. You'll be able to eat normally but should avoid extremely hot or cold foods until the area is no longer sensitive. Be sure to practice good oral hygiene, flossing carefully around your new filling or crown. Any residual discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Do I Need Cavity Treatment?
It's important to visit the dentist as soon as possible if you experience any signs of a cavity, such as a visible hole or pit in your tooth, tooth pain or sensitivity, or a brown, black, or white stained area on a tooth's surface. The earlier a cavity is treated, the easier and less invasive the treatment will be. Catching cavities in their earliest stages when they are just small areas of demineralized enamel allows your dentist to reverse the decay process. This prevents the need for a filling and preserves more of your natural tooth structure.
Delaying treatment for an existing cavity allows more time for decay to spread, requiring more extensive drilling to remove decayed areas before filling the tooth. If decay reaches the inner part of the tooth, a root canal may become necessary. Untreated cavities can eventually lead to infections, abscesses, and potential tooth loss if decay penetrates too far into the tooth. Early treatment stops pain, prevents further damage, and is more affordable than dealing with larger areas of decay.
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