People of all ages can be susceptible to cavity development. Therefore, treating the tooth decay that causes them is one of the most common reasons for visiting the dentist (besides regular checkups and cleanings). Because tooth decay can progress, becoming more and more serious over time, how you treat yours depends on how long it’s been allowed to remain. At our Olathe, KS, dental office, we provide several different customizable options for treating your tooth decay no matter what stage it’s in.
Spotting and Treating Enamel Erosion
Tooth decay is an infection in your main tooth structure that’s caused by harmful oral bacteria (the building blocks of plaque and tartar). When healthy, your teeth are surrounded by a highly resilient layer of minerals known as enamel. Tooth enamel protects the main structure from exposure to harmful bacteria, but certain types of microbes can weaken it by producing acids to attack it. During your routine exams, we can spot signs of enamel erosion and detect it when it becomes serious enough to raise your risks of cavities. Through improved hygiene, more frequent dental visits, and preventive measures like fluoride, you may be able to fortify your tooth enamel before it becomes compromised.
Filling Mild to Moderate Cavities
If enamel becomes weak enough to develop a hole, then oral bacteria can slip past it and finally infect the tooth’s main structure, known as dentin. This infection, known as tooth decay, erodes your tooth structure, leaving a hole (or cavity) in its wake. To treat a cavity, we can remove the oral bacteria and infected tooth structure to stop the decay from progressing. Then, we can fill the cavity, preferably with biocompatible, tooth-colored composite resin, to fortify the tooth and stop oral bacteria from entering the cavity again.
Treating Internal Tooth Infection
In severe cases of tooth decay, a cavity can progress enough that the infection reaches the internal chambers of your tooth, known as the pulp. At this point, a conservative tooth filling may not be enough to treat the tooth, though we can still save it with root canal treatment. The procedure also involves removing the infection by cleaning away decayed tooth structure and tissues, then filling and restoring the tooth with a biocompatible material.
Find the Best Treatment for Your Tooth Decay
How we treat your tooth decay depends on how advanced it is, and what your personal needs and preferences are. For more information, schedule a consultation by calling E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Gardner, Spring Hill, and all surrounding communities.