What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay is the damage or breakdown of enamel, which is the outer layer of the tooth structure. Tooth decay is also known as a cavity, which starts in the enamel or the outer layer of the tooth and progresses into the inner layer of the tooth. Essentially, this breakdown in tooth structure creates a hole in the tooth.
How does tooth decay begin?
It's interesting because in order for tooth decay to begin, we need two components: sugar and bacteria. What happens is bacteria in the mouth feed off of sugar and starches from the food that we eat. The bacteria love the sugar. When we have an accumulation of bacteria in our mouth, they will eat the sugar and produce an acid. This acid dissolves the tooth structure and takes away all of the important minerals from the enamel.
What are signs of cavity progression?
When a cavity progresses, you may see or feel a hole in the tooth. You may also see discoloration or darkness in one area of the tooth. This may be accompanied by pain or sensitivity. However, in the early stages of cavity formation, you may have no signs or symptoms at all. You may find out at your dental visit that you have decay during your checkup.
Why are dental X-rays important?
Radiographs, also known as X-rays, are taken routinely to examine between the teeth. Sometimes the dentist will be able to see a cavity during the examination, but many times cavities form right in between the teeth, and these cannot be seen simply by looking at the tooth. This is why X-rays are so important.
What are the effects of leaving tooth decay untreated?
Leaving tooth decay can have a really negative impact on your quality of life. You may have difficulty eating, and speaking, and you may notice a decrease in your confidence, especially if the cavities are visible. Tooth decay effects range from mild sensitivity to severe pain. Untreated decay, which weakens teeth, can create pus pockets surrounding the tooth and can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream. If left untreated, it can lead to a systemic infection.
Can tooth decay be reversed?
The answer is not very simple. It depends. If the cavity is small enough and only into the enamel or the outer layer of the tooth, then we have a chance to remineralize that tooth, that portion of the tooth that is demineralized. For scenarios like this, I would recommend regular treatments of fluoride and impeccable home care. Home care must be flawless to stop the cavity from getting any deeper.
However, if the cavity is already past the enamel, then treatment by a dentist must be done to fully remove it. At this point, the damage to the tooth is irreversible, and the cavity needs to be removed.
What are treatment options for tooth decay?
If the cavity is small enough, we can repair the tooth with a filling. The cavity is removed from the tooth by a dentist, and a white composite material is placed in the tooth to fill in where the cavity is sitting. If the cavity is large enough or the integrity of the tooth is compromised, the dentist may place a crown over the tooth. In this scenario, the cavity will be removed, and the tooth will be shaped to allow a very strong cap or crown to be bonded and cemented onto the tooth. A crown will give better support to the weakened tooth. If the cavity is very deep and approaching the nerve of the tooth, then a root canal may be required. In this process, the nerve of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is then restored, likely with a crown. There are circumstances in which the decay is too deep and the tooth is too compromised. In this situation, an extraction of the tooth would be necessary.
How can you prevent tooth decay?
The best way to stop tooth decay from spreading is to treat it when it is detected. As soon as a cavity is detected, recommended treatment should be done as soon as possible to prevent the decay from getting any bigger or even causing pain. The longer you wait, the potential for the cavity to get bigger and spread will increase.
Preventative treatment is the most important way to stay on top of your dental health. Regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and checkups, along with daily brushing and flossing, will set you up for optimal oral health.
If you live in or near Saratoga Springs, NY, and are looking for family dental care, contact us at (518) 868-6900 to set an appointment. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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