As your teeth decay, cavities form. Tooth decay is caused by enamel damage that results from the tooth's exposure to acid. Although acid can make contact with your teeth through the foods and drinks that you consume, it is also already lurking in your mouth.
Bacterial acid is released by the bacteria in your mouth as they digest the carbohydrate particles that may be left in your mouth after a meal or snack. Since bacteria are also primary components of plaque, when plaque coats your teeth, acid is released next to the tooth surface where it incites the most harm.
When cavities form, your dentist may prescribe several different treatments. Here are a few of them:
Dental Fillings
When your dentist applies a filling, he or she first removes the decayed material of the tooth. The filling is applied in place of the missing material.
Fillings can be made from a variety of substances, such as dental composite, silver amalgam, porcelain, or gold.
Without a filling in place to protect the tooth from further damage, the decay could progress, resulting in the need for an extraction.
Extractions
Dental extractions are usually only necessary if other treatment options have failed or are not suitable due to the extent of the tooth damage.
As the decay of a tooth progresses, more of the tooth material is eaten away. Gradually, unless a treatment is applied to stop the progression of the decay, there may be so little healthy tooth material remaining that an extraction and tooth replacement application, such as a dental implant, are the most suitable options.
Root Canals
Root canals are used to treat dental infections and decay, while eliminating the dental nerves that may be causing tooth discomfort.
During a root canal, the interior of a tooth is cleaned out and then subsequently filled before a dental crown is applied. The interior of a tooth contains soft living material that includes the blood vessels and nerves of a tooth. Thus, after a root canal, there is no more discomfort from the treated tooth.
After the living material within the tooth is removed, the tooth is hollow and structurally weakened. The filling helps provide support for the exterior tooth surface and helps prevent the entry of oral bacteria.
To learn more ways that your dental decay or cavities may be treated, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your area such as Plymouth Valley Dental Group.
Share8 February 2017
Do you have a different doctor from your spouse? Does your child see a pediatrician? Most families have different medical health providers for different members of the family. This makes sense in most cases, but did you know that you can find a dentist who will treat every person in the family from a baby to a senior? I'm a manager or a family dentist, and in this blog you will learn why a family dentist is a great idea. I will tell you the many advantages of taking every family member to the same dentist, and I will give you tips of finding the right dental office for your family.