Cavities are something almost everyone has to deal with at least once in their lives. Primarily, cavities are seen in children and adolescents. But adults can still get them as well. If you’re getting cavities frequently, it may be time to address your oral health routine and visit your Annapolis family dentist, Dr. Scott Finlay.
What is a Cavity?
Cavities, often called caries by dentists, happen because of tooth decay. Typically, this decay is caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar. Plaque feeds on sugar and starches that come from your food. The bacteria produce acids, wearing down the enamel on your teeth and causing decay. Small holes are formed by this decay, and this is what a cavity actually is.
How Can I Tell if I Have a Cavity?
You may not be able to tell if you have a cavity in the early stages. This is why it’s important to go for regular checkups at your Annapolis family dentist. With x-ray technology, problem areas can be identified before you get the symptoms of a cavity. However, advanced stages of tooth decay can cause symptoms like:
- Toothaches and pain
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks
- Visible holes in your teeth
- Soreness in the area around your gums
How Can I Prevent Cavities?
The good thing is, cavities are easily prevented. Cavities are prevented by keeping a rigorous oral health care routine. This includes brushing and flossing at home while following proper techniques recommended to you by your dentist.
You’ll also have to visit Dr. Finlay twice a year for dental cleanings and checkups. Professional cleaning helps remove plaque from places you may not be able to reach with at-home methods. We can also do x-rays at the appropriate intervals to stop tooth decay before it gets to a debilitating level in your mouth.
Dental Cavity Treatment Options
If you already have a cavity, it’ll have to be treated before we can shift to preventative care. We offer a variety of services to make sure that the cavity is taken care of. These include composite and porcelain dental fillings, as well as root canal treatment.
Composite fillings are made of resin and quartz particles. This makes them blend in with your natural tooth, unlike metal fillings. These are mainly used for minor cases of tooth decay.
For more serious cases, we use porcelain fillings. These are often called inlays or onlays. Significant tooth decay can impact the deep crevice of the tooth. Porcelain fillings are more durable and secure than the traditional composite fillings. This treatment can help you avoid a full tooth extraction due to tooth decay.
Lastly, we offer root canal treatment. Root canals are necessary when the decay makes its way to the pulp of the tooth, causing it to become infected. The infected material will have to be removed from the interior of the tooth to avoid tooth extraction. The hollow area is then filled and often capped with a dental crown, ensuring full functionality of that tooth.
Cavity Treatment at your Annapolis Family Dentist
It’s time to stop the struggle of frequent cavities. Call us today or schedule an appointment online!