Despite our efforts to maintain our best oral health, cavities can still happen. Tooth decay and cavities can be caused for reasons other than a lax in oral hygiene and sugary snacks. Teeth grinding and a misalignment of teeth can increase the risk of developing cavities. Even genetics can cause a person to be more susceptible to tooth decay than another. No matter the reason that a cavity happens, it is very important for it to be treated. A filling is can treat a cavity and stop it from worsening. If a cavity is not treated, it can lead to serious infection, which may need more involved treatment or it may require a dental extraction.
A Cavity Can Worsen
Without treatment, tooth decay is a progressive disease that will worsen and deepen into the tooth. At the earliest stage, tooth decay forms white spots on the enamel of the teeth. At that point, your dentist may be able to reverse the decay and stop it from developing further. A cavity is a hole in the enamel formed from acidic attacks of the decay. If it is not treated, the cavity will move past the enamel, the dentin, and into the inner pulp of the tooth. The inner pulp contains the roots and the nerves of a tooth. At this stage, the cavity can become quite painful, and root canal treatment may be required to preserve the tooth. If it continues to go untreated, the tooth can become infected; it may need to be extracted to protect your health.
What Is a Filling?
When providing a filling, your dentist will first provide local anesthesia to the area of the problematic tooth. Once the area is numb, your dentist will fully disinfect the tooth and remove any damaged parts. To restore and protect the tooth, a composite bonding material will be applied to the tooth, shaped, hardened, and polished.
Do You Have a Cavity That Needs Treatment?
A filling can save your tooth. To schedule a consultation by calling E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, and all surrounding communities.