Our teeth have plaque which contains millions of bacteria. If it is not removed, it can lead to the formation of a cavity in the affected tooth. An untreated cavity can lead to a painful tooth abscess which may get worse and at times, becomes life-threatening.
If you have a cavity, we strongly urge you to get a dental filling. It’s a procedure that repairs the tooth and prevents the decay from advancing. In some cases, a tooth will lose enamel, making it very sensitive to heat and cold. A dental filling can provide relief against sensitivity.
During your routine dental checkup, we can easily detect cavities. We will remove the decayed material and clean the affected tooth before we put the filling material and close it off completely so that bacteria can no longer get inside it.
But sometimes, even a dental filling is no longer sufficient because of the excessive tooth decay. In such cases, you will need a dental crown and/or a bridge. If the tooth can no longer be saved, then it will need to be extracted and a dental implant will be used to replace it.
To avoid any dental problems, the best recourse is to visit your dentist regularly so we can detect any problems before they get worse.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay
Many different preventive measures have been made to help reduce the occurrence of dental problems. By following these steps, you can significantly lower your chances of getting tooth decay:
- Brush your teeth two times a day using a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
- Floss once a day.
- Check with your dentist if you may need dental sealants.
- Visit your dentist regularly (at least twice a year).
- Inquire about supplemental fluoride treatment from your dentist.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks, and limit eating and drinking between meals.
If you have cavities, please contact our office at (518) 793-6619 before your tooth problem gets worse.