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Dental Cavities
A cavity, sometimes called a dental cary, is a small hole that develops when a tooth decays, and can grow bigger and deeper over time if not treated. Tooth decay is caused by the build-up of plaque, a sticky layer of food and bacteria that is constantly on teeth. The germs in the plaque create an acid that eats away the enamel of the tooth, which can become painful if not treated. If you have a cavity it is important that you have it repaired. Treatment will stop decay to keep it from growing larger and weakening the enamel, and prevent bacteria from infecting the inner layer of the tooth.
Do I need a filling?
Anytime decay is found, some sort of restoration is required. If decay is found, it is important to treat it as soon as possible to prevent it from causing further damage and needing extensive treatment. There are several types of restorations available, and we will discuss the best one for you.
What are my alternatives?
When you have a tooth that needs a restoration, we can choose from a range of different procedures including:
- Fillings
- Inlays
- Onlays
- Crowns
What happens at my appointment?
The doctor will give a visual examination to find decay, as well as check the top and side surfaces of the teeth with a dental instrument called an explorer, which sticks slightly when it touches decayed areas. We may also take X-rays to find advanced decay inside or between teeth, which would appear as dark spots. If a cavity is located, we will remove the decay and place a filling or other composite material. There are several options for restoration and we will discuss which method is best suited for your situation.
What happens if I don’t treat the cavity?
If a cavity is left untreated it can grow larger and deeper, and eventually require root canal therapy. Extreme decay may require removal of the tooth in its entirety, not just the decayed portion.