There are signs you may have a cavity you should be aware of. You should schedule a checkup with Smile Angels of Beverly Hills if your are experiencing pain or sensitivity in your teeth. Scheduling dental visits on a regular basis will enable your dentist to find and repair any issues you have while they are still small. Preventing potential issues is beneficial for both your budget and your health.
According to the latest statistics, if you have not yet had a cavity, you probably will. Even though you can prevent cavities, nine of every 10 adults above 20 have tooth decay to some extent. Cavities form in your teeth from harmful acids and the buildup of bacteria. The result is tiny holes or decay on your teeth. Once you have this issue, it is permanent.
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How to Detect Signs of Tooth Cavity Early
You may not notice there is an issue in the beginning. When decay is in the early stages, you may not experience any symptoms. Your cavities can be detected early when Bruse Vafa DDS performs a routine examination. The good news is your cavities can be easily treated. The result is an improvement in your comfort level and health. You can avoid expensive and complicated procedures simply by having your cavities found early.
There are several different types of cavities. A smooth surface cavity will appear on the sides of your tooth. When you develop a cavity on your tooth’s roots, it is called a root cavity. The cavities appearing on the surfaces of your teeth used for chewing are fissure or pit cavities. According to the American Dental Association, individuals above 50 frequently have some level of decay in the roots of their teeth.
Unfortunately, a high percentage of cavities are found in children. If you are not experiencing any pain from a cavity, there are other signs you can look for. When your cavity first starts to form, you will most likely have visual or sensory signs of decay including:
- You may see brown, black or white discolorations forming on your tooth
- You may experience pain when eating or biting down
- You may have unpleasant sensations such as a dull ache, sharp pain or twinge
- Your tooth may become sensitive to cold or heat
- Even if you are not feeling pain or seeing discoloration, your tooth may have a hole
How Often to Visit Your Dentist
Even if you do not believe you have any cavities, the best dentist in Beverly Hills recommends scheduling a visit with your dentist every six months. During you appointment, your mouth will be thoroughly cleaned. This is an excellent opportunity to detect any oral issues. Not only can tooth decay be detected, but you can even have a preventative screening for oral cancer.
If your dentist does find a cavity, you can receive fast treatment. If you do not have your cavity filled, the amount of decay will increase. When you visit your dentist on a regular basis, your cavities can be detected much earlier. This means your treatment will be less expensive and much easier. Your best option for good oral care is your dentist. An assessment can be performed if you suspect you have a cavity.
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When you tell your dentist you believe you have a cavity, your mouth will be examined. X-rays of your mouth will most likely be taken. All that is required to fix your cavity when it is in the beginning stages is a fluoride treatment. Once your cavity has progressed past a certain point, you will require more invasive treatment. Your cavity may then need a crown or a filling.
If your decay has advanced too far, you may need a root canal. In the worst possible scenario, your tooth may need to be extracted. The best way to prevent decay resulting from a cavity is to visit your dentist as early as possible. This one small step often makes a tremendous difference.