Picture this: You are brushing your teeth when you discover a brown spot on one of your teeth. You immediately think that it's a cavity and you will need some sort of restorative treatment, such as a filling.
But is it always the case? In other words, is it possible to reverse a cavity?
Here's what you should know.
Cavities or dental caries form when a person suffers from tooth decay but they do not seek dental treatment.
Tooth decay occurs because of the acids that are produced by the bacteria in the mouth. In time, this decay starts to eat away the tooth, forming holes that affect not only the tooth but can also reach the roots too.
Several reasons can influence the formation of tooth decay, and oral hygiene plays an important part in how quickly a cavity develops and eats away the tooth.
The short answer would be yes; cavities can be reversed. But for that to happen, it needs to be treated as soon as possible, right from the moment it has been detected.
If you maintain good oral hygiene and brush and floss your teeth two times a day with fluoride toothpaste, then you may provide your teeth the protection they need to prevent the cavity from spreading.
If the cavity is too advanced and regular oral hygiene is not enough anymore to contain it, then your dentist will probably indicate another course of treatment, such as:
If the cavity is small enough and there is no severe damage to the tooth, then the dentist will remove the decay and cover your tooth with a filling.
If the cavity is too large to be covered by a filling, then your dentist will recommend the next best thing - inlays or onlays.
If your tooth has been severely affected by the cavity and the damage is extensive, then you may need a dental crown to restore the tooth.
If the cavity reaches the pulp, the dentist will have to drill a hole through your tooth and remove the infected part.
This is usually the last resort and it's recommended only if the damage is so expensive that your tooth can't be saved anymore.
If you want to address your cavities before they create more problems, we here at St. Clair Tooth Co are ready to help you.
We offer comprehensive dental services that can cover a wide range of needs. Whether it's preventive care or restorative dentistry, you can rest assured that we will be able to treat you.
If you want to book your next appointment, then all you have to do is contact us today and tell us about your problem.
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