Most individuals will get a cavity at some point in their lives, but they may still be nervous that a dentist will find one when they are in the dental chair. Though they are common, cavities can cause severe damage to your smile if not treated by a dental professional.
Is there a way to know if you have a cavity before your routine dentist appointment? Dr. Joseph Thompson, a dentist in Greeley, CO, provides further information about cavities and how to tell if you may have one.
What Is a Cavity?
A cavity is a form of decay that leaves a hole in the surface of the tooth. It often stems from plaque, which forms when bacteria in your mouth interact with food particles and develop a film over your teeth.
We remove plaque before it can cause dental damage with oral hygiene practices, but sometimes we may not be thorough in our cleaning, and plaque can wear away tooth enamel and cause decay. Cavities may also come from eating sugary or acidic foods or other factors.
What Are the Symptoms for Cavities?
When decay erodes tooth enamel, underlying dentin becomes exposed and could leave you with tooth sensitivity. Tooth pain is a common symptom of cavities. Patients may notice discoloration on the affected tooth as well if they have a cavity.
Sometimes cavities do not present with visible symptoms. This is why regular dentist appointments are crucial to maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can find and treat cavities during a routine exam before they can cause significant damage.
What Dental Treatment Will I Need?
Cavities do not heal on their own and will require treatment from your dental professional with fillings. Your dentist will provide you with a local anesthetic before your procedure so that you will not feel pain or discomfort.
The dentist will clean the affected tooth and then remove the decayed part of the enamel. In the resulting hole, your dentist will place composite resin to protect it from future dental harm.
Schedule a Dentist Appointment Today in Greeley, CO
Thompson Advanced Dentistry offers dental fillings and other general treatments from an expert dentist in Greeley, CO. Dr. Thompson also specializes in cosmetic and restorative dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with our practice, contact us online or reach us by phone at 970.205.9614.