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An Overview of Tooth Decay and Cavities
You may prevent tooth decay and dental cavities with proper care. Can must take every preventive measure to eliminate plaque and thoroughly clean your teeth. However, there is a likelihood that you will get a tooth cavity at least once in your lifetime. The best method of dealing with dental cavities is avoidance. On the other hand you should also know about your treatment options.
Dealing with cavities is relatively painless and quick, specially if you see your dentist every 3 months. Dental cavities occur in the hard surface of your teeth where tiny openings or holes develop and create permanent damage. Cavities are often referred to as tooth decay and can develop from a variety of causes. In turn, dental cavities and tooth decay are one of the most popular health problems worldwide.
Individuals of all ages from all backgrounds are susceptible to cavities, and if left untreated, they can interfere with the ability to eat, chew, speak and swallow. Regular dental cleanings are key to cavity prevention and maintenance, while good dental hygiene follows close behind.
What is the Common Cause of Tooth Decay?
To effectively prevent tooth decay, we must first look at how it begins. Cavities are caused by tooth decay. So, what leads to tooth decay?
- Sugar: It’s found everywhere. Cereal, drinks, snacks and candy are common culprits. Sticky sweets make it easier for sugar molecules to stick to the teeth. This, in turn, allows more time for tooth decay to develop. Foods that are easily washed away by saliva have less time to affect the tooth structure.
- Milk or Formula: Bedtime bottles are a common culprit for infant tooth decay. Falling asleep while drinking can allow liquid to sit on the teeth overnight. This can cause advanced tooth decay if done repeatedly.
- Bad Dental Hygiene: Many things can cause tooth decay. Adequately removing them from the mouth area is crucial. A lack of brushing or flossing can cause plaque buildup. This buildup later leads to tooth decay and cavities.
- Irregular Dental Cleanings: Despite your best efforts, tooth decay causes will prevail. Getting regular deep cleanings at a dental office can help. Special tools and equipment than can reach deeper and further than a toothbrush is utilized.
So, exactly, what causes cavity? A lack of the removal of harmful materials from the teeth. These materials then prompt tooth decay and lead to more serious dental cavities.
What are Cavity Symptoms?
A tooth cavity is often indicated by tooth sensitivity. Cavity pain symptoms can also occur if left untreated. Sensitivity to various temperatures of food, drink or air is a telltale sign that a cavity is forming.
Certain types of dental cavities, like a cavity between teeth can be hard to detect. These types of cavities usually go unnoticed until they cause pain, or an x-ray spots them.
Less often, an individual may see a discoloration of the teeth. This can also be indicative of a cavity. If a tooth has enough decay, a cavity can even weaken the tooth to the point that it breaks. Luckily, x-rays from regular dental exams can detect cavities before they cause trouble.
Cavity vs Tooth Decay: Which One Is It?
While most people see cavities and tooth decay as one and the same, they do have some differentiating factors. Tooth decay is a forerunner to a cavity. Tooth decay begins when tooth breakdown begins at the enamel. Once the decay reaches the dentin portion of a tooth, it is then considered to be a cavity. As the decay spreads, a larger cavity begins to form. If left untreated, the decay will spread and form a larger cavity. If tooth decay causes are not avoided, this scenario is likely to occur.
What are the Available Tooth Cavity Treatment Options?
Tooth cavity treatment depends on a variety of factors. The age of the patient, the degradation of the tooth, the size of the cavity and other patient health factors are taken into consideration. For a younger or older patient, treatment options may be less invasive. Catching tooth decay early for these patients is extremely important.
In addition, pregnant women also have unique dental treatment requirements. In fact, treatment for a cavity between teeth or tooth decay may have to be delayed for an expecting mother. Other measures may be used to decrease the speed of decay and make the patient comfortable.
Typically, patients with a dental cavities will go through a procedure that involves filling the decayed area of the tooth. This type of tooth cavity treatment is often referred to as “getting a filling.”
How is a Filling Performed?
DR. Vafa has a holistic approach to dentistry. Filling a tooth cavity is a relatively quick process. An appointment is made with a dentist in Los Angeles. On the day of the appointment, Bruce Vafa DDS. or a dental assistant will take you back to the procedure room. The patient will be laid back in a chair and a numbing ointment will be applied to the tooth cavity area. After the area is numbed by Bruce Vafa DDS., injections of pain medication will then be used to further numb the internal area around the tooth cavity.
Once this pain relief sets in, the tooth cavity filling procedure will begin. Bruce Vafa DDS. will drill out the area with tooth decay, making sure the tooth cavity area is clean. A dental, gold or silver filling will be placed in the crevice and shaped to align with your tooth. The tooth cavity treatment in Beverly Hills concludes with a hardening procedure for the filling material.
In its entirety, a tooth cavity treatment in Beverly Hills procedure lasts about 30-60 minutes. The previous tooth cavity area will be number for an hour or two afterwards. It is advised by Bruce Vafa DDS. to not eat or drink at this time. For weeks after tooth decay treatment in Los Angeles, your tooth may be sensitive. This will subside in time.
What Follow Up Appointments are Required After Tooth Decay Treatment in Los Angeles?
Immediate follow up appointments are not required with Bruce Vafa DDS. in Los Angeles. However, routine check-ups thereafter will include inspecting the cavity to make sure no other dental cavities have developed, or the filling hasn’t loosened. Patients in Los Angeles should take additional preventive measure to reduce the likelihood of more tooth cavity development.
Professional Bruce Vafa DDS. in Los Angeles
Dental cavities are not fun, but with an experienced dentist like Bruce Vafa DDS. in Los Angeles you can get effective treatment and relief. The longer dental cavities are put off and ignored, the bigger problem they become. Get your tooth cavity taken care of with our friendly, professional staff today.