Important Information About Cavities
Posted on: 27 March 2017
Sensitive teeth can cause a lot of discomfort when you are eating food and drinking fluids. If the sensitivity is turning into excessive pain as time passes by, it is possible that a cavity is the root cause of the problem. You can take over-the-counter drugs to get some relief from the pain. However, when the pain from a cavity is severe enough, sometimes the only way to get relief is with help from a dentist. Below, you will learn a few things that you should know about cavities.
How Cavities Can Be Prevented
The best way to prevent cavities is to keep your teeth as clean as possible. Brushing your teeth at home is ideal, but you should also get them cleaned by a dentist sometimes. It is important for plaque to be removed from tight spaces between your teeth to get rid of the plaque. Try to get comprehensive dental exams every now and then so a dentist can let you know if there are cavities developing that you don't know about. Your teeth will likely be cleaned during each exam, so you won't have to worry about cavities becoming a problem.
Treatment Methods for Cavities
The depth and width of a cavity are what determine how it might have to be treated. For instance, if the cavity is barely noticeable or small, getting it filled is likely the only thing that you will have to do. However, a cavity that is wide might need to be filled, as well as be capped with a crown to protect the thin enamel. When you have a cavity that has progressed to the point of damaging the pulp chamber, a root canal is likely necessary. Sometimes extraction is necessary for severe cavities, such as if there isn't much enamel left.
Why Treating Cavities is Necessary
You must get a cavity treated because it can cause the formation of an abscess. Basically, an abscess feels like a painful lump under a tooth or on your gums. An abscess is dangerous because the bacteria and fluid inside of it are toxic and can get into your bloodstream. Another reason why it is important for a cavity to be treated is because your tooth can decay away completely if you don't treat it. You need your teeth not only for chewing food but because they play a major role in the health of your jawbones. They help stimulate the bone and maintain your underlying bone strength and structure.
If you're in need of emergency dental services, places like Family First Dentistry LLC may be able to help.
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