Dental Practice FAQs: How Are Cavities Treated?

While most people visit a dental practice every six months, others only go on occasion or not at all. For those individuals, the thought of seeing a dentist causes a lot of anxiety. Hopefully, the information provided about how a dentist treats a cavity will answer questions and put them at ease. These people will discover that having a cavity filled is much easier than imagined.

What is a cavity?

For someone who does not have their teeth checked regularly, they need to understand what a cavity is. A dental practice explains that a cavity is a small hole that develops in a tooth. If not treated, this hole gets larger and deeper. It can even begin to affect other teeth and lead to secondary oral problems.

Why do cavities form?

If someone does not brush and floss regularly, food particles get trapped in between the teeth and gums. Eventually, this causes a buildup of plaque, which is a yellowish slimy substance comprised mainly of bacteria. Over time, this plaque bacteria produces acids that attack the tooth’s enamel. With the enamel compromised, which is a type of protective barrier, the acid causes holes or cavities to form.

The problem is that if an individual does not get a cavity filled quickly, it can lead to more serious issues. After all, once a cavity forms, the acid continues to cause destruction. That can lead to tooth decay of one or more teeth. With that, infection can set in, which can lead to gum disease and decrease bone density.

A dental practice first identifies the type of cavity

Even people who see a dentist regularly might not know there are three distinct types of cavities. The first is a root cavity, which usually develops in older individuals who have some kind of existing gum disorder. For this, a dental practice removes any tooth decay, followed by filling the cavity. Since this type of cavity is close to the gumline where little enamel exists, early treatment is essential.

A pit and fissure cavity is the second type. As explained by a dental practice, this cavity usually forms on the molars, which people use to chew. With pits and crevices, food particles become trapped easily. Children, as well as adults who do not brush regularly, are at the greatest risk. As for the treatment, a dentist would remove the tooth decay and fill the hole. In severe cases, an individual might need a root canal and a crown.

The third type of cavity occurs on a smooth surface. Of all cavities to form, this is the slowest and the least common. A smooth surface cavity involves any flat portion of a tooth. As a slow-growing cavity, a dental practice can treat this easily. That entails removing tooth decay and then filling the hole.

Taking proper care of your teeth

The main goal is to prevent a cavity from forming in the first place. You can do that by brushing and flossing after every meal, rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash, and visiting a dental practice every six months. However, if you suspect you have a cavity, do not wait to see a dentist. Otherwise, you could face more serious issues.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Practice in New York, NY

Call Us Today

Request an appointment or call New York Dental Office at 212-548-3261 for an appointment in our New York office.

Recent Posts

How A Dental Practice Catches Early Oral Issues

Patients should keep on top of dental practice visits to prevent common oral issues. Gum disease affects many people, and it is essential to care for the gums and teeth early on. Getting an exam and cleaning is about more than just finding cavities. Instead, the dentist can catch a range of oral health issues.…

Your Dental Practice Explains The Causes Of Stained Teeth

If you have stained teeth, you need to know that a dental practice can often help. While everyone would love to have white teeth like Hollywood celebrities, that is just not realistic. After all, these individuals have the means to get implants and veneers, while most people do not. Keep reading to find out more…

Reasons To Visit A Dental Practice Regularly

Visiting a dental practice is an important way of protecting your teeth from decay and cavities. Many people have oral health conditions and do not get regular care. But dental practice visits are crucial in finding issues with the teeth early on so that treatment can begin. Keep reading to learn more about why you…

Corey Brick, DDS

Share
Published by
Corey Brick, DDS

Recent Posts

How to Clean and Maintain Your Dentures for Optimal Oral Health

Dentures are the way to go if you are looking for an affordable way to…

4 days ago

Choosing an Adult Orthodontics Option

Having an attractive smile will give you a boost of confidence, and adult orthodontics may…

5 days ago

3 Signs You Need Your Dentures Relined

The need for relining your dentures may not occur to you because of your busy…

6 days ago

Types of Dentures: Which Is the Best Option for You?

Dentures can replace teeth right away. It is a common solution to tooth loss. Because…

2 weeks ago

What to Expect After Getting Full Dentures

Full dentures can replace the teeth of each dental arch. Your gums and saliva will…

2 weeks ago

What to Expect When Getting Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are one of the missing teeth replacement options you get to choose from…

3 weeks ago