Notice an irritating twinge on one of your teeth when you drink tea?
Or is there a brownish mark that doesn’t seem to be fading, no matter how hard your scrub the tooth? In both cases, you may have a cavity and need a dental trip in Coorparoo.
A common occurrence, cavities are one of the main reasons that you need to see your dental from Coorparoo at least every 6 months, as they can often occur on back teeth which are harder to reach. And, if left untreated, they can cause a myriad of secondary issues from toothaches to extractions.
Thanks to advances in dental technology, there is more than one way that your dentist may treat a cavity and if it is minor enough, you may not have to worry about injections or drills being used! In fact, some cavities can be treated with fluoride sealants or can even be removed from the tooth using precision dental lasers. Great!
But what exactly causes a cavity and how exactly would your dentist treat it? Read on for the answers to the most commonly asked questions about cavities.
What causes a cavity?
There are a few things that can cause cavities, a key one is not brushing your teeth as regularly as many dental teams advise. Or, alternatively, you may have impeccable oral hygiene but could have a few misaligned teeth, leading to areas in your mouth which are difficult to reach. But, in order to stay on top of your dental near Coorparoo, you should visit a dentist at least once every 6 months for a check-up.
Can a cavity cause discomfort?
Yes, it can! One of the first signs of having a cavity is discomfort, especially if it is on one of your back or molar teeth. It may feel worse when you are drinking hot or cold beverages or may bother you intermittently throughout the day. But as soon as you notice dental pain, you need to contact your dentist.
How does a dentist treat a cavity?
This will depend on its severity; if it is minor, or in the caries stage, they may treat it with a sealant.
If it needs something a bit more extensive, then a filling can be fitted. In more extreme cases, your dental team may fit a crown or may even perform a root canal if the decay has reached the pulp of the tooth.
Can a cavity make you sick?
Not initially, but left untreated a cavity can lead to an infection, which can and will usually make you ill.
Can a cavity lead to an infection?
As mentioned before, yes, an untreated cavity can lead to an infection.
As the decay breaks down the tooth, the pulp may be exposed, leading to bacteria accumulation under the tooth, also known as an abscess. An abscess can be extremely uncomfortable and requires emergency dental care. Once the infection has cleared, the affected tooth will usually be treated with a root canal.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
