Depending on the Severity of the Tooth Decay

To treat a tooth cavity, your dentist will first do an oral examination. Your dentist may still do a dental x-ray of the tooth and area involved to find out the extent of the cavity. There are several ways to treat a tooth cavity, but the appropriate method would depend on the severity of the decay.

Tooth fillings

These are the most common options, to fill in the cavity with the dental filling material. Your dentist will drill in and around the cavity, removing all the decayed material, cleaning the area and preparing it to receive the material. It can be silver, gold, amalgam, or composite material. It is important that it is sealed in place and polished.

Crowns

If the decay is severe, such as it is already too expansive to save the tooth, a crown is a better option. Your dentist will have to remove all the decayed part of the tooth and cap it with a custom fit artificial tooth, called a crown. It should match the color and form of the affected tooth, and must be sealed in place.

Root canal

This procedure aims to still keep the tooth. If the pulp inside the tooth is already dying or dead, the dentist removes all the tissues therein – nerves, blood vessels, all debris, and all signs of infection – in the pulp chamber until the root ends. The dentist prepares the space to receive medication and filling material, usually gutta-percha. Finally, a crown may be placed on top of it.

Though tooth decay is very common, you can lower your chances of having cavities in several ways. Firstly, it’s necessary to fluoride-brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once-a-day. Limit these types of food: sugary and acidic foods, including snacking. Eat more of these: fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, and calcium-rich foods. Drink more of these: unsweetened black or green tea and water with fluoride. And do not forget to pay your dentist a visit, at least every 6 months, not just for cavities but also other dental issues.

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Treating Cavities in Bellevue

If you think you may have a cavity, come see your Bellevue dentist here at Overlake Dental. Know more about treatments and prevention tips.

What are Cavities?

A cavity, or a tooth decay, starts as a discreet hole on your tooth. They have a variety of causes and present symptoms depending on how severe the decay is. There are risk factors which make some people more prone to it than others.

Cavities are very common across all age groups, including infants. It is one of the most common disease conditions in children worldwide. Due to the fact that they are, at first, unnoticeable, you may not know you have a cavity; even if you think you are practising good oral hygiene. Many do not present pain symptoms and so they grow larger and deeper. That is why regular dental visits are important to catch cavities early and prevent new ones from forming.

Symptoms of Cavities

So what are the usual symptoms that a cavity may be present on your tooth? Common symptoms are black or white staining on the tooth surface, tooth sensitivity, pain, and hole on the tooth.

Plaque is generally the cause of holes on your teeth. The sticky substance that is composed of food debris, saliva, acid and bacteria binds to the tooth surface and slowly but surely eats away at the enamel, the tooth’s first layer.

Some people are more prone to developing cavities than others. Here are risk factors that will make you more susceptible to cavities.

• A diet that is high in sugar; high consumption of acidic foods and drinks
• Oral hygiene neglect; not brushing and flossing regularly
• Not enough fluoride in drinking water, toothpaste, etc.
• Disorders like dry mouth syndrome, anorexia, bulimia, and acid reflux
• Crooked teeth that do not get cleaned well, especially back teeth

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Learning More About Cavities in Bellevue

Regular visits to your Bellevue dentist will catch cavities early and prevent the formation of new ones. If you think you may have a cavity, do not ignore it. Drop by for a consultation at Overlake Dental.

Weakened Enamel

In both cases – tooth cavity and tooth sensitivity – the enamel has weakened. What causes the enamel to become weak? Poor oral hygiene leading to excessive plaque is the most common; high consumption of sugary and acidic foods and beverages with neglect of proper brushing and flossing can surely weaken enamel. Other causes are: bruxism or grinding of teeth, excessive or forceful brushing, excessive use of alcohol-based mouthwashes, among others.

Treatment for Cavities and Sensitive Teeth

The simplest way to treat sensitive teeth is to avoid the triggers. There are also many toothpaste brands you can use that are designed specifically for sensitive teeth. For severe cases that have not responded to other treatments, including installation of crowns and veneers.

In the case of tooth decay and cavities, professional treatment by a qualified dentist is best. The dentist makes a visual assessment, takes x-rays, drills out the damaged tooth area to completely remove the decay, and either fill, cap, or replace the tooth for complete pain treatment.

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Learn more about Cavity Pain & Tooth Sensitivity at Overlake Dental

If you are suffering from pain or discomfort, and don’t know if it’s a cavity or experiencing tooth sensitivity, come see our Bellevue dentists for consultation and treatment.

Cavities vs Teeth Sensitivity

A tooth cavity is different from a tooth sensitivity, though most people may not be able to tell as their symptoms are somewhat the same. While a cavity can lead to tooth sensitivity, their causes and treatments are different. The presence of tooth sensitivity does not necessarily mean you have one or more cavities.

The Difference in Pain

A cavity can cause similar pain to sensitive teeth when triggered by heat or cold, but additionally, cavities are often triggered by sweet foods and drinks, too. A dull pain can also be felt if you bite down on the affected tooth.

Cavity pain can get worse over time as the cavity can grow in size and depth. You may have only one tooth with a cavity that causes pain. On the other hand, a sensitive tooth flares up with sharp pain when immediately on contact with cold (like ice cream) or heat (like coffee).When the cold or heat stimulus is removed, the pain ceases. Sensitivity usually affects several teeth, not just one.

Possible Causes of Cavities and Sensitivity

Cavities are caused by sugars and starches which create plaque on teeth. Plaque has bacteria that breaks down the enamel gradually, creating a hole that decays. On the other hand, when enamel weakens and wears down, the underlying layer with lots of nerves is exposed. Cold or heat affect the nerves causing pain. That’s a sensitive tooth.

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What can you do to manage the sensitivity.

Try to drink through a straw.

If you can’t avoid consuming cold drinks, such as water, juices, or other chilled beverages, use a straw. This bypasses your teeth so that the cold drink goes strength to the back of the mouth. You can be able to avoid the trigger.

Lick your favorite cold dessert.

Eat differently, not by biting or chewing, but by licking your ice cream or sorbet. If you have to chew on a cold salad, use that side of the mouth where you think there is no sensitivity, avoiding the other side. Be sure to cut up your salad into smaller pieces so that it doesn’t take you longer to chew.

Try breathing through your nose and not through your mouth.

A gust of cold air can hurt sensitive teeth, so try to cover your mouth with a handkerchief or a scarf and breath through your nose. Do this especially if you’re outside in cold weather. Avoid getting your teeth exposed.

Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and a soft-bristled toothbrush.

You still need to keep up with proper oral hygiene despite sensitive teeth. You can reduce tooth sensitivity by brushing twice a day and flossing once daily. Pick a soft floss that’s gentle on your gums.

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Treatment and More Helpful Tips in Bellevue

If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity to cold, see our Bellevue dentist here at Overlake Dental. Let us help you.