Cavity Filling 101: How Long Should You Wait?
Getting cavities in your teeth is a part of life. If you have a sweet tooth and can’t resist candy, then you must be familiar with what cavities are. And if not, then don’t worry as we are about to tell you everything that you need to know about cavity fillings.
What Is a Cavity?
A cavity is a hole in your teeth that can grow deeper and bigger if you don’t take care of it. Cavities are a result poor oral hygiene and can lead to tooth decay. Cavities happen due to a slimy yellowish layer called plaque that forms on the teeth. The plaque is made up of minerals, bacteria, and food particles. The bacteria in the plaque convert the sugars on your teeth into acids that slowly affect the enamel of your teeth. This causes decay which forms the cavity.
If this condition doesn’t get treated immediately, it can continue to eat away the layers of your tooth. A common misconception with cavities is that only children get cavities. It is true that children are more prone to getting this condition because of softer enamel, but it is not limited to them. You can get cavities in your teeth during any phase of your life.
How Will I Know If I Have Cavities in My Teeth?
During the initial stages, cavities appear as a dark or pale spot on your tooth. As time passes, it can turn a black, brown, or yellow color. However, sometimes the cavities are located on the back or between two teeth, which makes seeing the discoloration difficult.
That is why it is important that you get our teeth checked regularly. If the cavities don’t get discovered in the earlier stages, it can cause tooth decay.
You must be wondering “How can I not detect tooth decay? Doesn’t it hurt?” Well, here’s the thing; it doesn’t in the earlier stages. You probably won’t even notice that your tooth is on the decay train if you don’t visit your dentist regularly.
You might find out about the decay when it has penetrated on the deeper layers of your teeth. That is when your teeth become sensitive to pressure, cold, and heat. You might also feel intense or persistent pain.
How Long Should I Wait Before I See a Doctor?
The answer to this question is simple – as soon as possible. The sooner this condition gets discovered, the lesser the chance of tooth decay. Both your teeth and your wallet are at stake. If you let it progress, you might have to pay a hefty sum for treatment. You might even end up losing your tooth and getting a dental implant.
What Are My Treatment Options?
You just found out that you have cavities. What are the possible treatment options? Is an extraction necessary?
You don’t need to be hasty about this decision. The first step is to make an appointment to see the progression of the cavities. If it is in the earlier stages, a filling will do the job. Your dentist will use a drill to remove the damaged part of your tooth and fill it using synthetic materials so your tooth won’t remain hollow.
If the damage is really extensive, you might need to get a root canal. If your cavity has gotten worse, you might need to get the tooth pulled out.
Good dental hygiene will keep the cavities at bay. Make sure that you visit your dentist regularly and observe healthy oral hygiene. If you are looking for a dentist, give Smile Brightly Dental a call. Our office number is 586-573-7700 and would be more than happy to answer any dental questions you may have.