It seems obvious to state that your brushing and flossing habits help you protect your smile against tooth decay, and that if a cavity does form you should seek care from your dentist. While people tend to have basic information about cavities, they may not know what makes them such a worrying oral health problem, and what is involved in restoring your smile when one forms. One important thing to remember is that even a small cavity does permanent damage to your enamel. You should also know that by delaying treatment, you can give the problem time to worsen. In addition to offering preventive and cosmetic services, our Rochester, MN dentist’s office is ready to help if you need work done for a cavity.
1. Once A Cavity Forms, It Requires Professional Treatment
By taking care of your smile each day, you can remove food debris and oral bacteria from your teeth. Doing this consistently can protect you from harmful decay, and even allow your teeth the chance to recover from minor damages that have already occurred. Unfortunately, your oral hygiene routine is not something you can rely on to reverse or stop a cavity that has already formed. While smaller cavities can make more conservative dental work effective, treatment and the placement of a permanent restoration are still required.
2. The Size Of Your Cavity Can Change How Your Tooth Is Treated
If a cavity is caught during a routine dental exam, it may take nothing more than a dental filling to restore your tooth. However, a larger cavity can require a more involved procedure. If a filling is not going to do enough to support your tooth in the long term, a dental crown can be used instead. If your tooth has become infected because of an untreated cavity, a root canal procedure can also be required to take care of your smile.
3. A Cavity That Goes Untreated Can Lead To A Tooth Infection
What makes an infection so concerning? If bacteria enter your tooth, it can lead to pain and sensitivity that affect your ability to bite and chew. If the problem is not addressed in time, bacteria can do irreversible harm to the living tissues within your tooth and spread through its roots. Until the problem is treated, you can remain in a state of discomfort if you have an infection. If you wait too long to do something about the problem, there may be no way to save the tooth, making a replacement necessary.
Your Rochester, MN Dentist Provides Effective Solutions For Tooth Decay
At Calcagno Cosmetic And Family Dentistry in Rochester, MN, patients who are affected by tooth decay can contact us to arrange the appropriate restorative dental work. We are proud to serve people in and around the Rochester community, and we are ready to help parents and kids maintain their dental health! For more information, call Calcagno Cosmetic And Family Dentistry at (507) 281-3659.
