From childhood to adolescence to adulthood, your dentist will be adamant about cavities being something you want to avoid. They are preventable, yes—but also incredibly common, depending on a number of factors. Charvet Dental Center is going to break down the life cycle of a cavity and how to treat it.
The Life Cycle of a Cavity
There are a few stages to forming a cavity, which can progress from bad to worse when left unseen by Dr. Charvet or Dr. Charvet Jr. We will explain what this looks like from the earliest stage to a potential worst-case scenario. We have to warn you: It isn’t pretty.
- Plaque Formation: Cavities begin with plaque developing on the tooth’s surface, which is a byproduct of bacteria in the mouth feeding off of sugar and starches from food. Acids then form, which can begin to erode the enamel.
- Enamel Erosion: The acid will gradually eat away at a tooth’s enamel, which is the hard outer layer. There are often no symptoms at this stage, but the tooth is losing important minerals and weakening, putting it on a fast track to decay.
- Dentin Decay: If enamel erosion progresses, the cavity breaches the dentin layer behind the enamel. This is usually when patients become aware of sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods. The cavity can be more noticeable at this stage, appearing as a dark spot or hole in the tooth.
- Pulp Infection: Things can become progressively more serious from here. Without treatment, decay can reach the tooth’s innermost section, called the pulp. This contains blood vessels and nerves, which can result in severe pain. Inflammation and formation of an abscess can occur—a pocket of pus at the tooth’s rotten source.
- Tooth Damage and Loss: At this point, infection can lead to severe tooth damage, warranting a root canal to salvage the tooth—or in the worst-case scenario, extraction of the entire tooth.
How We Treat Cavities
None of that sounds good, does it? Thankfully, there are several interceptive treatment approaches we can take at Charvet Dental Center when a patient has one or more cavities.
- Fluoride Treatments: If the cavity is still in very early stages, we can recommend or apply fluoride treatments to help remineralize the tooth and prevent further decay.
- Fillings: If the cavity is already well-formed, your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the empty space. This is usually done with composite resin and can restore the tooth’s shape and function.
- Crowns: In more serious cases where a cavity has continued to develop into a large portion of the tooth, or if a tooth has been filled more than once, a crown might be needed. This procedure is restorative to a larger portion of the tooth and requires more detailed shaping and fabrication.
- Root Canals: A root canal is when we remove the decayed pulp from within the tooth, cleaning out the canal and sealing the tooth. We usually use a crown to seal off the tooth at the end of this process.
Preventing Cavities
Whether you’ve never had a single cavity or you’ve had a number of them in your life, it’s important to be aware of preventative measures you can take to fight them off or keep them from becoming a worse problem.
- Diet: Sugar is a huge culprit behind cavities, as you likely know. Reduce your intake of sugary snacks, beverages, and other sweets, or moderate consumption, at the very least. Also, consider eating foods rich in calcium and phosphorus to strengthen your enamel.
- Cleaning: Since cavities begin with plaque formation, you should actively clean that away each day. Brushing thoroughly, flossing, and rinsing away particles are all important steps to prevent this bacteria from taking hold and forming new cavities.
- Regular Check-Ups: Stay on top of your appointments with our office. Dental cleanings and exams are important for various reasons, particularly in relation to the detection and treatment of cavities. Missing appointments can cause us to miss signs of new or worsening cavities, so please be diligent about keeping up with routine visits.
A Battle Well-Fought
Dental hygiene can pose challenges for patients of all ages—but these challenges must be overcome to protect you from some ugly consequences. The good news is that our team is here to provide you with the guidance you need along the way. Please come see us in Metairie if you need a cavity addressed.