Quite possibly the most important thing to know about cavities is that they can be prevented. A daily oral hygiene routine involving both brushing and flossing can prevent a number of negative conditions in the mouth. They are known more formally as dental caries, and lead to both tooth decay and gum disease. It is estimated that 75% of Americans currently suffer from some form of gum disease. Cavities can also lead to serious infections, with side effects including discomfort, aching of the jaw, painful chewing, and difficulty speaking.
Cavities are caused by acids that develop from food debris and various bacteria in the oral cavity. The acid can eat away slowly at tooth enamel if the teeth go unbrushed. Over time a small dark hole will appear, which is the beginning stages of a cavity. If treated at this point, the process can be stopped. Your Georgetown Dentist will likely use a sealant when it is caught early, which involves applying several layers of liquefied plastic to the surface of the affected tooth. The material is then cured using a special light, hardening it. If tooth decay develops, which is the thin dark shadow that can be seen below the cavity, a crown will most likely be needed. A dental crown is a synthetic top for the tooth, and the tooth in question will first need to be shaped and filed to make space for it. This essentially removes the decay and cavity and restores the tooth.
Some cavities can become so far developed that either a root canal or an extraction may be needed. As cavities and tooth decay move closer to the root and nerve of the tooth, the patient will feel intense and constant pain. This pain can become so severe that it will interfere with the patient’s life. At this point the Georgetown dental expert can remove the nerve, thus removing the pain receptor, or remove the entire tooth. The entire tooth is only removed in cases where it has become seriously compromised by the decay.