Dealing with a tooth cavity can be stressful for people of all ages. Not only do cavities cause a range of symptoms, but they also lead to ongoing damage. When a cavity occurs, individuals need to seek immediate dental treatment to protect against further damage and the spread of decay. Knowing what to expect from treatment is important. If a person is dealing with a tooth cavity, they should continue reading for further information.
What Are the Signs of Cavities?
Seeing the dentist regularly and practicing good oral hygiene will help to keep cavities at bay. If they occur, there are some signs individuals can look for to know they need to see the dentist. If any of the following is occurring, foothillsfamilydentistryllc.com can help.
- One of the first things a person will notice with cavities is pain. Once the tooth cavity leads to an opening in the tooth, the nerve becomes exposed, leading to pain. The severity of the pain can grow and become difficult to control.
- Changes in the coloration of a tooth can also be a warning sign. If the tooth darkens or develops white spots, these are signs the tooth has been compromised with decay. Individuals should never ignore these signs because they could end up with further tooth destruction.
- Tooth sensitivity is also common when it comes to decay. Individuals will likely find their tooth becomes increasingly sensitive when exposed to sweet, cold, or hot foods. Temperature changes and sweets tend to be the main culprits for causing sensitivity once decay has occurred.
- Infections can sometimes occur when tooth decay becomes severe. A pocket of infection is called an abscess and requires immediate medical attention. The abscess may cause swelling in the jaw, severe pain, and even a fever to develop.
How Are Cavities Treated?
Dealing with tooth decay can be stressful for people of all ages. Those who have never experienced tooth decay may be nervous seeking dental intervention. Knowing what to expect can set a person’s mind at ease and make them feel more comfortable seeking treatment.
Before the dentist begins working on a person’s tooth, they will be X-rayed to determine the degree of damage. Then the dentist will numb their patient. The numbing action helps to prevent any discomfort from being felt. Once numb, the dentist will go to work on removing any diseased material.
The dentist will use special tools to remove the decayed areas and then these areas will be filled. There are different types of fillings, including amalgam, composite, and metal materials, among others. Many people seek composite fillings because they blend in well.
With treatment, decay will be halted and the symptoms of cavities will cease. Prompt treatment will help to save a tooth and prevent decay from spreading to other teeth. Those who are dealing with any of the above symptoms need to call for a dental appointment right away. Treating a cavity early will help to prevent the loss of a tooth.
