Your risk of getting cavities and tooth decay depends on what you eat and drink. Having too much sugary food and beverages and not taking care of your oral health leads to tooth cavities. If the cavity reaches the inner dentin layer of a tooth, it is impossible to cure it.
In Australia, 1 in 3 adults/teenagers over 15 years of age and 1 in 3 children by five years of age have untreated tooth decay. However, the problem is that if you don’t get decay or cavity teeth treated in time, it can damage your tooth’s inner soft tissue and nerve.
If you think your child has a cavity, visit your dentist ASAP to stop the decay before it worsens.
How is a Tooth Cavity Formed?
Cavities are tiny holes that form on the surface of your teeth. It happens due to several factors, like poor oral hygiene, sugary foods, and harmful bacteria.
When you don’t brush and floss daily, plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth creates a breeding ground for harmful bacteria where they can thrive. These bacteria produce acids that dissolve the enamel, resulting in cavities. If the decay is left untreated, bacteria can enter your teeth and infect the dental pulp, which causes extreme pain.
Signs You Might Have a Tooth Cavity
If you’re experiencing the following signs of tooth decay, you need to get it treated.
- You may notice slight discolouration on your tooth’s surface.
- Tooth sensitivity.
- Toothache can range from mild to sharp, stabbing pain (especially when you bite down).
- Visible holes in your teeth.
Treatment of Tooth Cavities
When you go for routine dental checkups, your dentist can identify the symptoms of tooth decay and other dental conditions in time, helping you avoid the need for complex and often costly treatments.
Below you will be able to discover the treatment for tooth cavities or tooth decay:
- Fluoride Treatments
A fluoride treatment may help restore the enamel if your cavity is in its earliest stages. Fluoride levels in professional fluoride treatments are higher than in toothpaste and mouthwash.
Your dentist will apply the fluoride treatments on your teeth as a liquid, gel, foam, or varnish using a brush or a little tray that fits over your teeth.
- Tooth Fillings or Crowns
If the tooth decay or cavity has become visible, your dentist will start by removing the tooth decay and seal your tooth using a filling or crown to prevent further damage. You can choose tooth-coloured composite resins, porcelain fillings, or dental amalgams. In the case of dental crowns, the materials range from metals like gold to porcelain and resin.
- Root Canals
You’ll need a root canal if the decay reaches your dental pulp. Your dentist may recommend a root canal treatment if the tooth is badly damaged. In this treatment, the dentist removes the infected dental pulp and cleans out the tooth. After that, your dentist will fill the tooth and seal it.
- Tooth Extraction
Sometimes, the tooth is so severely damaged that it gets impossible to save it, even from root canal treatment. In such cases, the only option is to get your tooth extracted. After extraction, you’ll need a dental bridge or implant for the missing tooth.
Cavity Teeth Treatment in Coorparoo, QLD, Australia
Do you think you have tooth decay? No need to worry.
Dentist at Coorparoo offers the finest dental services in Coorparoo, QLD, Australia. We have a team of highly experienced dentists who can identify the earliest symptoms of tooth decay and provide you with treatment to save your tooth in time.
Call our super-friendly customer service today and book your appointment.