Cavities are common due to several factors, including environmental hazards like nicotine smoke and oral medications. Most people will have dental cavities at some point in their life. However, you can minimize the chances of a tooth cavity by flossing daily, brushing, and going for regular dental checkups.
While teeth problems may be inevitable, a Lovett Dental Upper Kirby family dentist can examine the issue and recommend the right treatment. To set up your first appointment, contact Lovett Dental Upper Kirby at 713-490-8888 today.
Understanding Tooth Cavities and the Need for Treatment
Also known as caries, cavities develop when the bacteria living in your teeth mix with carbohydrates in drinks and food you consume. When bacteria feed on the sugars, they produce acid that combines with food particles to form plaque, a sticky substance that clings to the surface of the teeth. Acidity erodes the enamel and exposes the soft and sensitive layers.
While it is critical to consider cavity treatment, prevention is equally essential. For example, when you seek professional teeth cleaning services twice per year, you can stop the plaque that would lead to destruction if left to accumulate. Flossing and brushing teeth twice daily can also prevent dental caries.
When left untreated, dental cavities can become painful and harmful. Your teeth’s safety and health depend on proper care, so visit a dentist when you experience a toothache.
Treatment for a dental cavity depends on the level of decay. You may need cavity filing during the early stages. Lovett Dental Upper Kirby dentists use artificial material to fill the tooth after clearing any debris in the hole to prevent the decay from penetrating further. A cavity may, at times, require a dental crown, which involves putting an artificial cap on the surface of the affected tooth.
Keep in mind that cavities do not heal without treatment.
What to Expect When Your Cavity Is Left Untreated
The longer you stay without a tooth filling, the larger the cavity continues to grow. Apart from causing uncomfortable pain, the condition makes your teeth brittle. At some point, a hole forms on the teeth, making them prone to cracks and breakages.
An untreated cavity reaches the tooth pulp over time, exposing its nerves. You will experience extreme pain when this happens. After the decay attacks the tooth’s root, it requires a root canal treatment. Extraction is necessary depending on the size of the cavity.
The mouth contains lots of bacteria. When the cavity enters the pulp, it exposes your tooth to infection. As a result, you may feel uncomfortable and ill. Contact a Lovett Dental Upper Kirby dentist immediately when you notice any signs of a tooth cavity.
Some of the most common symptoms of untreated cavities include:
- Pain when you drink cold or hot liquids
- Visible pits and holes in your tooth
- Inflammation around the tooth
- Pain due to tooth decay
- Bad breath
You may compromise your overall health status if the cavities are left untreated for long. This can happen when bacteria enter the bloodstream, spreading to other parts of the body. As a result, you can develop an infection known as sepsis. The best way to avoid this is by seeking treatment early before the condition deteriorates.
Get Cavity Treatment at Lovett Dental Upper Kirby
A tooth cavity can jeopardize your oral hygiene, so seek immediate treatment when you notice any warning signs. At Lovett Dental Upper Kirby, our experienced dentists will examine you before recommending the right solution. Our dental clinic offers a wide range of services, including:
- Tooth fillings and sealants
- Dental bonding
- Fluoride treatments
- Dental crowns and bridges
- Sedation and dental anxiety
Contact Lovett Dental Upper Kirby at 713-490-8888 to learn more about cavities and ideal treatments.