Cavities are one of the biggest reasons for people needing to schedule an appointment with the Dentist San Bernardino. Cavities can cause massive damage to a tooth and can sometimes lead to tooth loss due to necrosis. To prevent cavities, one needs to see their dentist every six months and make sure they brush and floss their teeth at least twice a day. With consummate oral care practices and care provided by the dentist, cavities can often be avoided.
Patients who have the signs of cavities will need to be examined by the Dentist San Bernardino. Signs of cavities include:
* Tooth pain
* Tooth discoloration (dark or white spots)
* Increased sensitivity
The dentist will thoroughly examine the patient’s tooth to see what damage has been done. In most cases, X-rays will need to be taken so the dentist can determine how deep the cavity runs and how much tooth tissue needs to be removed so the tooth can be saved. If the tooth goes untreated, the decay will continue to eat away at the tooth tissue until it is destroyed.
Treatment for cavities is relatively straightforward and typically does not cause much pain for most people. The dentist will need to remove the damaged areas of the tooth so they do not continue causing destruction. Once these areas are removed, the tooth is carefully rinsed and cleaned to ensure no tooth debris or decay are left behind. The dentist will then need to fill the tooth to ensure the nerve is covered and is no longer causing pain.
Fillings are meant to replace the tooth tissue that was removed so the tooth is made more stable and can continue to function normally. If large amounts of tooth volume were lost during the removal of decayed tissue, the dentist may need to fill the tooth and then place a crown over the tooth for added protection and stability.
If you fear you have a cavity, it is important to have your teeth thoroughly checked by the dentist. Contact West Covina Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment and get started on properly caring for your oral health.
