Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Cavities are more likely to form if you have poor oral hygiene. Plaque, a sticky film that forms on your teeth when you don’t brush and floss your teeth frequently, includes germs that can harm the enamel. Cavities develop on teeth due to the acids that the bacteria in plaque make. It’s critical to take care of cavities as soon as they appear. If not treated, the cavity will spread and eventually result in tooth loss. Therefore, our Jonesborough family dentists at Tusculum Dental Care share on the blog today the different types of cavities and how they are treated.
What are cavities?
When tooth enamel erodes, it can leave tiny holes in your teeth, called cavities. Although you might not feel any pain if the cavity is minor, tooth discomfort is the most typical sign of an advanced cavity. Additionally, your teeth may have black stains and pits, or you may be sensitive to hot or cold foods or beverages. Our family dentists in Greeneville explain that a cavity is a dental problem that should never be ignored since, once a cavity has formed, the tooth is unable to heal itself, and the situation will only become worse.
What kinds of cavities are there?
Even though it may seem like a hole in one area of your tooth enamel is the same as in a different area, they each have to identify characteristics and require various treatment nuances for repairs. Our Erwin family dentists explain that there are three types of cavities: surface, pit and fissure, and root. First, the most frequent form of a cavity is surface or occlusal cavities, which damage tooth enamel. They develop on the chewing surface of the molars or back teeth. Next, pit and fissure cavities develop in the grooves of your teeth, particularly the molars. In these channels, plaque buildup might result in deterioration. Finally, where your teeth’s roots and gums converge is where root cavities develop. Here, plaque can accumulate and lead to deterioration below the gum line. People who have receding gums are more likely to have this kind of cavity.
How are cavities treated by dentists?
To cure cavities, dentists employ a range of techniques. Fluoride treatments could be sufficient to prevent surface cavities. Fluoride treatments or dental sealants can be used to treat pit and fissure cavities and stop additional deterioration. Drilling and the use of fillers like composite resin are required to fill root cavities. Before deciding on the best course of action, our Jonesborough dentist will evaluate the size and kind of the cavity. While most cavities are treatable with basic dentistry, extreme cavity cases may also require the skills of a cosmetic dentist to produce dental crowns or other oral treatments.
Family Dentist in Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee
Finding out you have a cavity when you look in the mirror or at your latest dental appointment can make anyone frustrated. Unfortunately, if you fail to seek treatment within a reasonable amount of time, the cavity will continue to grow and could lead to additional problems, like a gum infection. Therefore, if it’s been a while since you had a checkup to look for cavities, contact our Greeneville dental office, Tusculum Dental Care, by calling (423) 639-7575 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.