Finding A Cavity (And Treating It)
Posted August 3, 2016 by Wager-Evans Dental
If you have a cavity, you need to see your dentist – but what is the best way for you to spot a cavity? If you find yourself experiencing regular pain or sensitivity in a tooth, that discomfort can indicate the presence of tooth decay. However, there can be a period where a cavity is developing, but not causing you any discomfort. One reason people should see their dentist regularly is so these small cavities can be caught, and treated before they cause dental pain. Catching a cavity early can ensure that all you need from your dentist is a filling to restore your tooth.
A Cavity May Not Cause A Toothache…At First
Dental discomfort can occur when tooth decay has started to antagonize your tooth’s nerves. This is not an immediate result of a cavity, as it takes time to reach the pulp, where the nerves are housed. If you are experiencing tooth pain, you could be due for a root canal treatment. Without this procedure, your tooth could be damaged so badly by a cavity that it has to be extracted.
Want To Save More Of Your Tooth? Seek Treatment Sooner, Not Later
Any area of your tooth that decays because of a cavity will have to be removed. This means that putting a stop to a cavity early means preserving more of your tooth. The amount of material that has to be removed plays a part in your restoration. When decay spreads to enough of your tooth, a filling will stop being a dependable treatment option. When this becomes the case, your dentist will have to restore your tooth with a dental crown.