Cavity Treatment at a General Dentist

Cavities are a common dental issue that, when left untreated, can cause discomfort and affect oral health. A general dentist offers a variety of options for cavity treatment. Visiting the dentist for routine appointments can prevent tooth decay or repair the damage as soon as possible.

Understanding cavities

Cavities, also known as dental caries, occur when bacteria in a person's mouth produce acids that erode tooth enamel. This erosion causes small holes (cavities) to form in the teeth. Without proper treatment, cavities can get larger, affecting deeper tooth layers.

Symptoms of cavities may include:

• Toothache
• Increased sensitivity
• Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking
• Holes or pits in the teeth that can be seen
• Brown, black, or white stains on the surface of the teeth

Patients often do not experience symptoms of a cavity. That is why attending regular dental appointments for evaluations and cleanings is important, even when one's mouth feels fine. However, those experiencing toothache or mouth pain should schedule an appointment with their general dentist as soon as possible.

How a general dentist diagnoses cavities

When you visit a general dentist for cavity treatment, the first step is typically a thorough examination of the teeth. During this examination, the dentist will visually inspect the patient's teeth and may also use dental instruments to probe for cavities. They may also use X-rays to assess the extent of the decay, particularly if they suspect the patient has cavities but cannot see them with their naked eye.

Cavity treatment at a general dentist

When the dentist detects cavities, they will recommend appropriate treatment options based on the severity of the decay. Some common cavity treatment options offered by general dentists include:

Flouride treatment

If the patient has a cavity in its early stages, the dentist may recommend a flouride treatment. A flouride treatment can help restore the tooth's enamel and sometimes resolve a cavity. Professional flouride treatments may be liquid, gel, foam, or varnish that the dentist applies to the patient's teeth or provides a small tray that fits over them.

Fillings

Fillings are a dental restoration and one of the main treatment options for cavities. During this restoration procedure, the dentist removes the decay portion of the tooth, restoring the tooth's shape, strength, and function to prevent futher tooth decay. Fillings contain various materials, such as tooth-color composite resin, porcelain, or dental amalgam, that contain a combination of several dental materials. The material used depends on the location and size of the cavity.

Dental crowns

Another dental restoration includes dental crowns. A dental crown is a custom-made cap that replaces the tooth's natural crown above the gumline. These restorations can restore the tooth's strength and appearance. To place the crown, the general dentist drills away the decayed area and ensures the crown securely fits on the tooth. Crowns may be made of gold, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or composite resin.

Root canals

When tooth decay reaches the inner material of the tooth (the pulp), the patient may need to undergo a root canal. This procedure can help repair and save a severely damaged or infected tooth rather than extracting it. The general dentist removes the diseased tooth pulp and then cleans and disinfects the chamber of the tooth with an antibiotic. The dentist then seals the chamber with a dental filling. If needed, the dentist may also cap the treated tooth with a dental crown to provide extra durability and strength.

Tooth extraction

In cases where teeth are seriously decayed and beyond restoration, the dentist may recommend removal. Tooth extraction involves removing the entire tooth from its socket in the jawbone. While tooth extractions are considered a last resort, they may be necessary to prevent infection and other oral health complications. After an extraction, the dentist may recommend that the patient get a dental bridge or a dental implant to replace the missing tooth and prevent the adjacent teeth from shifting.