Fix Cavities

One of the most common health problems around the world, tooth decay or cavities create areas of permanent damage on the tooth surface.  Small holes or openings can develop that lead to further damage in the deeper layers of the tooth if left untreated.  Bacteria in the mouth, eating or drinking sugary foods/drinks, and improper cleaning can all contribute to the formation of tooth decay.

Symptoms of Tooth Decay

The symptoms and signs of tooth decay vary based on its location and severity.  In its early stages, a cavity may not show any symptoms but as the decay progresses and gets bigger, typical symptoms include:

  • Tooth sensitivity (hot, cold, air, touch)
  • Toothache or pain – can be spontaneous without cause
  • Mild to severe pain when eating or drinking (hot, cold, sweet)
  • Visible pits or holes in the tooth
  • White, brown, or black stains on the tooth surface
  • Pain when biting or chewing

Complications

Because tooth decay and cavities are common and initially may not cause any symptoms, many patients fail to seek treatment.  However, untreated cavities, even in baby teeth, can lead to serious long-term complications including:

  • Ongoing pain – can interfere with normal daily life
  • Tooth abscess – pocket of pus created by bacterial infection which can be potentially life threatening
  • Pus or swelling around the tooth
  • Tooth damage or breakage
  • Tooth loss – can affect appearance and self confidence
  • Difficulty chewing or eating – can lead to weight loss or malnourishment

Diagnosis

Early stages of tooth decay may not show any signs or symptoms.  As such, a dentist is often needed to fully diagnose the condition and may be done by:

  • Conducting an examination of the teeth and mouth
  • Inquire about any tooth sensitivity or pain
  • Probe the teeth with dental instruments checking for soft areas
  • Examining X-rays which can help illustrate the extent of decay and cavities
  • Determine if the cavity is root, pit and fissure, or smooth surface

Treatment

  • Regular dentist checkups:  Identifying tooth decay or cavities as early as possible is the best way to ensure the problem does not grow.  Having routine dental examinations by a dentist or oral hygienist can address this.
  • Fluoride treatments:  If a cavity is in its earliest stages, fluoride treatments can help restore the tooth enamel and potentially reverse the cavity.  Treatments can be gel, liquid, varnish, or foam that are either brushed onto the teeth or placed in small mouth trays that fit over the teeth.
  • Fillings:  The main restoration treatment when tooth decay progresses beyond its early stages.  Fillings are typically made from porcelain, dental amalgam, or composite resins.
  • Crowns:  When decay is extensive or the tooth is weakened, a crown may be needed.  These custom fitted covers replace the entire natural tooth crown and are made of gold, resin, other materials, or porcelain fused to metal.  Typically, the dentist drills away any decayed areas to ensure the crown properly fits.
  • Root canals:  Should the decay penetrate the inner layer of the tooth (pulp), a root canal may be necessary to remove the infection.  During the procedure the diseased pulp is removed and replaced with a filling.
  • Tooth extraction:  In the most severe cases of decay, a tooth may not be able to be restored and must be extracted.  Because this will leave a gap that other teeth could shift into, patients may want to use a bridge or dental implant to replace the lost tooth.

More on Fixing Stained Teeth