A General Dentist Explains What Might Happen If You Do Not Get Your Cavity Filled

General Dentist Sunnyvale, TX

Cavities are one of the most common issues that a general dentist treats. These are small holes that are created by acids produced by oral bacteria eating away at teeth surfaces.

Cavities start as minor dental issues, but they can morph into more serious problems, like the pulp chamber of a tooth being opened up, the visible part of the tooth falling apart due to severe decay, and getting an infection.

Our general dentist explains why cavities should always be treated

Cavities are almost impossible to notice in their early stages. They start as tiny holes that are barely visible to the naked eye. At this stage, the decay can be reversed if a general dentist detects it in time. Once a cavity develops, acids made by bacteria will constantly expand it. It is a slow process, but the cavity will keep getting larger until the pain it causes forces a patient to go to a dentist, the tooth becomes infected, or it falls apart due to damage to its structures.

Fortunately, cavities can be easily treated and a simple trip to the dentist is often all it takes to stop them in their tracks. Here are treatment options that a general dentist might explore.

Fluoride treatment

This infuses the patient’s teeth with fluoride and can reverse minor cavities. A fluoride solution or gel is poured on a mouth tray, and the patient bites down on it. Fluoride treatments also help protect teeth from decay for up to six months.

Filling

Fillings have been the most used solution for cavities for over a century. It involves applying a putty-like material to the tooth. This material typically hardens when exposed to saliva or air. Silver amalgam fillings were the most commonly used type of fillings for decades, but their dark color can affect the appearance of teeth that have been repaired with them.

Composite bonding

This involves using mixtures of plastic and glass to fill up cavities. The composite used can be color-matched with the shade of the patient’s teeth, so any repairs made look natural. Composite bonding is a non-invasive procedure that can be completed during a single trip to the dentist. It does not require making any alterations to the patient’s tooth.

Crowns

Crowns are recommended when a cavity has already caused serious damage to a tooth’s structures. The crown keeps the rest of the tooth together and protects it from acids in the mouth. The crown restores the appearance of the damaged tooth and its functionality.

Get the treatment you need

A cavity starts as a minor dental issue that can be easily treated when detected early. Have you noticed one or more cavities on your teeth? Call or visit our Sunnyvale clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://stonecanyondental.com or call Stone Canyon Dental at (972) 996-3191 for an appointment in our Sunnyvale office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Sunnyvale, TX.

Recent Posts

General Dentistry: Give Your Dental Health A Boost By Visiting A Dentist

You might think that if you are diligent about brushing and flossing at home, you can visit a dentist's office less often. However, general dentistry professionals agree that regularly visiting a dentist is important for your dental and overall health, even with good oral hygiene. In addition, there are numerous reasons it is a good…

A General Dentist Discusses Cavity Treatment

Your experienced general dentist can repair your cavities. Assessing your teeth will come first. Then, the dentist will discuss the treatment options with you. Knowing which option can help you the most can prepare you for the visit. Here are the details about the different cavity treatments that your general dentist can discuss with you.The…

Ask A General Dentist: What Happens To Your Tooth After Extraction

Tooth extraction frequently occurs in the office of a general dentist for a variety of reasons, including:Bacterial decayAccidental breakageOvercrowdingImpactionMost patients are more concerned about the gap the tooth leaves behind than its fate outside their mouths. An extracted tooth usually takes one of the following paths, depending on whether the dentist or the patient claims…

What To Ask Your General Dentist When Preparing For A Crown

If a general dentist recommends a dental crown, there are a variety of reasons why. Crowns can be used for cosmetic corrections as well as for protection and support. These dental restorations may seem intimidating to those who have never had one, but they do not have to be. Here are some questions to ask…

Recent Posts

Denture Care: Why Is It Not Recommended To Keep Your Dentures In All The Time

Denture Care: Why Is It Not Recommended To Keep Your Dentures In All The Time

Whether to take your dentures out or keep them in all the time is a common dental question that arises about denture care. It is important to note that proper denture care starts with removing your dentures for at least six to eight hours daily. The best time for this period to occur is overnight…

The Dos And Don’ts Of Denture Care

The Dos And Don’ts Of Denture Care

Dentures are an excellent alternative to natural teeth, and denture care is as simple and easy as traditional dental care. This is particularly true for those who have lost all of their teeth or those who may be missing one or more front teeth due to an injury. But with any dental product, some precautions…

HOURS: MON 8AM-5PM TUES 8AM-4PM WED 8AM-4PM THURS 8AM-4PM FRI 8AM – NOON