If you have been told that you have cavities that will need to be treated, you may be wondering exactly what a cavity is, how they developed, and what you can expect during your treatment.
Top 5 important things to know about dental cavities
#1 What is a Cavity?
A cavity is damage that has occurred to the enamel of the teeth due to the presence of bacteria. Bacteria, when allowed to accumulate on the surface of the teeth, eats away at the enamel quite quickly. If no action is taken to treat the cavity, the decay has the potential to reach the central nerve of the tooth, which can cause a great deal of pain and sensitivity for the patient.
#2 Proper Home Care is Key
Ensuring that you are practicing proper oral home care is crucial in cavity prevention. Brushing thoroughly for at least two minutes, accompanied by flossing, should be done twice a day to remove bacteria from the surface of the teeth.
#3 Your Diet is Important
What you eat plays a large role in your oral health. Acidic beverages like soda and coffee can cause damage to the enamel of the teeth, rendering them more susceptible to damage and decay. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and nuts helps promote strong enamel.
#4 Cavities Usually Do Not Hurt
In many cases, people who have been told that they have a cavity have a hard time believing their diagnosis due to the fact that they do not experience any pain. This is mainly due to the fact that pain and sensitivity will not be felt unless the central nerve of the tooth is exposed. When this occurs, a simple filling is not enough to correct the issue; a root canal is usually needed in this case.
#5 Fillings are Simple and Painless
The procedure of filling a cavity is very simple and painless. Your Robstown dentist will numb the area, remove all signs of decay inside the tooth, and place a filling inside the tooth to restore and protect it.
For more information about cavities or to get scheduled for fillings in Robstown, Tx, give Robstown Smiles a call at (361) 933-0124.