Cavities are areas of decay that form on the surfaces of teeth. They’re often caused by poor oral hygiene, sugary foods and beverages, or plaque buildup, although some people are also more genetically predisposed to developing cavities than others. The good news is that no matter why someone has developed cavities, their dentist will be able to offer effective treatment options to get rid of pain and move forward with better oral health.
The Role of a Dentist in Treating Cavities
For patients looking into treatment for cavities in teeth, the first stop should always be their general dentist. While it’s true that some home remedies can help to strengthen teeth and prevent decay, there is no way to get rid of the pain from cavities for good without visiting a dentist.
How Dentists Identify Cavities
Most patients realize that they have cavities when they begin to experience tooth pain and sensitivity. When they visit the dentist for either a routine cleaning and exam or for an extra visit to address the pain, specifically, they can expect the dentist to probe their teeth to look for soft areas and active decay and to take dental X-rays that show the full extent of the damage. From there, the dentist will be able to identify the class of the cavity and make a professional recommendation about how to treat it.
Treatments for Cavities
The appropriate treatment for a cavity varies based on its severity and the patient’s specific situation. For those who attend regular cleanings and exams, tooth decay may be reversible. If someone fails to visit the dentist until their pain is severe and the cavity has progressed to an advanced stage, they may need a root canal or even a tooth extraction. However, most situations fall somewhere in the middle.
Fillings
Also called restorations, dental fillings are the most common treatment option for cavities identified during their earlier stages. The fillings can be made from tooth-colored resin, porcelain, amalgam, or even gold. Each material has a unique set of benefits and drawbacks, so patients should do some research before choosing which to choose.
Crowns
Dental crowns are custom-fitted coverings that are used to restore teeth that have experienced extensive decay. They can be made from gold, porcelain, resin, or other materials and are designed to replace the tooth’s entire natural crown.
Root Canals
If the decay has extended into the tooth’s inner pulp, the patient may need a root canal. This treatment replaces badly damaged pulp with a filling material. After the root canal, a dentist can place a crown that looks just like a normal tooth.
Tooth Extractions
While it’s very rare for tooth decay to become bad enough that a patient requires tooth extraction, this situation can come up if someone ignores their tooth pain for long enough. Patients who must have their decayed teeth extracted should consider dental implants or bridges to replace their missing teeth, as failing to do so can cause the remaining natural teeth to shift.
When to Call a Dentist
The best time to seek treatment for a cavity is as early-on as possible in the progression of tooth decay. People can visit family dentists, general dentists, or cosmetic dentists for help. Look for a dental clinic that provides excellent patient care and a dentist who takes problems such as cavities seriously.