How a General Dentist Treats Cavities

How a General Dentist Treats Cavities from South Florida Dental Arts in Miami, FL Among the most common dental problems that a general dentist treats are cavities. Most people will experience this form of tooth decay at some point due to:

  • Dry mouth
  • Sugary foods and drinks
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Genetics

There are several types of cavities, and each can lead to complications without prompt treatment.

How do dentists treat cavities?

A general dentist first considers a cavity's location when determining how to proceed. Beyond that, size and depth dictate which procedure is a suitable treatment.

Smooth surface cavities

Cavities that form on the relatively flat outer surfaces of teeth advance slowly and are highly treatable with fluoride. At the first signs of deterioration, dentists may instruct patients to use a fluoride-based toothpaste and mouth rinse to restore worn tooth enamel. Avoidance of sugary or acidic foods can prevent further damage. More aggressive fluoride treatments can be performed in a dental office and involve painting the teeth with a varnish that hardens into a film to bathe teeth in enamel-strengthening fluoride until brushing removes it.

Pit cavities

Molars and premolars involved in aggressive chewing are especially prone to cavities due to their irregular top surfaces. As part of an exam, a general dentist presses a fine-tipped instrument pressed onto the tooth, and if it sinks or catches, a cavity is present.

If the pitting is not deep, the dentist may apply a fluoride treatment but more commonly uses a sealant. This fills in the hole and creates a protective barrier on the tooth's surface that can last 10 years. A filling is warranted when a cavity progresses to the dentin, the layer immediately behind the enamel. Treatment involves removing decayed portions of the tooth and filling the opening with tooth-colored porcelain or metal such as gold or silver.

Root cavities

X-rays can diagnose root cavities, but they may be visible during a routine examination if there is gum recession. A general dentist's approach to treating a root cavity depends on how far it has progressed. In the early stages of decay, fluoride treatments may be sufficient, but moderate or advanced decay requires removing portions of the tooth and adding a filling. If the inner pulp containing the nerve is infected, a root canal may be necessary, involving not only removing decayed portions of the tooth but the entire root to save the tooth. The tooth is then reinforced with a crown.

Between-teeth cavities

Early-stage cavities between teeth are nearly impossible to see with the naked eye, but dentists use X-ray imaging to detect their presence. These cavities are manageable with fluoride treatments; however, if they become apparent by expanding into the dentin layer, a dentist must remove diseased portions of the tooth and apply a dental filling.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
General Dentist in Miami, FL

Conclusion

Visiting a general dentist for regular dental cleanings, maintaining rigorous oral home care, and having a healthy diet can protect teeth from premature wear that can cause cavities. Fortunately, it is possible to rebuild enamel if the deterioration is detected before it expands beyond the tooth surface; however, prompt treatment is crucial to prevent further complications.

Request an appointment or call South Florida Dental Arts at 305-230-4041 for an appointment in our Miami office.

Recent Posts

Getting The Most From Your General Dentistry Visit

One aim of general dentistry is to make the patient’s experience as positive as possible. A dentist who is good at their job will achieve this feat in two ways. First, they will use proactive, preventative measures that keep intensive procedures to a minimum. Second, the dentist will use every tool at their disposal to…

How A General Dentist Can Treat A Tooth Infection

Extreme tooth pain often leads to an appointment with a general dentist for an exam of the mouth to reveal the source of the problem. If a tooth infection is discovered, it is important to follow the advice of the dentist, as these do not go away on their own. A dentist may address the…

A General Dentist Discusses Essentials For Good Oral Health

Any general dentist knows that oral health is about more than just strong teeth. It is also a bellwether of overall physical health, which makes maintaining healthy teeth and gums a crucial part of any wellness routine. Showing up for cleanings twice a year is not enough to keep teeth and gums healthy. Patients should…

Recent Posts

Improve The Color Of Your Teeth With Teeth Whitening Treatments

Improve The Color Of Your Teeth With Teeth Whitening Treatments

Teeth whitening treatments can get you noticeably whiter teeth in less than an hour. They are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments and involve using compounds with bleaching properties like hydrogen carbamide or hydrogen peroxide to take off stains from the outer and inner layers of your teeth.There are numerous ways to go about…

Prevent Further Tooth Decay With Dental Fillings

Prevent Further Tooth Decay With Dental Fillings

Think you might need a dental filling? Read on to learn more about this treatment. Tooth decay is one of the most common oral health conditions. When untreated, it can result in serious dental problems including tooth loss. Dental fillings restore the structure and function of the affected teeth. Knowing the importance of dental fillings…