Looking for cavity fillings in Albion? What are the indicators of a cavity? How do you know it’s time to treat a cavity? Here’s what you need to know!
Children tend to present with cavities more often than adults, and it’s the most common chronic disease of patients ages 6 to 19. Adults are not exempt, however. A report conducted by the CDC on oral health determined that between 80 and 96% of adults in various age groups have cavities, filled or otherwise.[2]
What Is a Cavity?
A cavity in your tooth is an area that has undergone permanent damage and developed into a hole. Cavities are commonly caused by sugary snacks and candy, food particles that are left on the teeth and not brushed away, bacteria, and poor dental hygiene.
The bacteria in the mouth break down the substances from sugary and starchy foods and beverages and develop plaque, a sticky film that clings to your teeth. If the plaque is not removed, it becomes acidic and bores microscopic holes in your teeth. These are what are known as cavities. [1]
Most people get cavities in hard-to-reach places such as molars at the back of the mouth and in between teeth. These areas in the mouth are breeding grounds for stuck food and hiding bacteria. However, poor dental hygiene may cause cavities even on front and side teeth.
Signs and Symptoms of a Cavity: Do I Have One?
While tooth pain and chewing discomfort are the most common symptoms of a cavity, they may not be present in the early stages of a cavity. Look for more subtle symptoms such as headaches, tooth stains, holes in your teeth, and frequent bad breath.
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, seek dental care in Albion immediately.
What Happens If I Ignore a Cavity?
If left untreated, a cavity could lead to more complicated and serious dental problems such as:
- Difficulty chewing
- Facial swelling
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Complete tooth loss
- A life-threatening abscess (a bacterial infection)
It’s better to treat a cavity with a simple cavity filling in Albion NY rather than wait until the problem is much worse.
Cavity Fillings in Albion: What to Expect
After administering a local anesthetic, the affected area and part of the face will be numb to promote a painless and comfortable experience. The dentist will remove the decay from the tooth and gently clean it to prepare for the filling.
The dentist will match the filling to the tooth’s natural color using composite filling material. Then it’s time to finish and smooth out the filing to ensure there are no sharp protrusions or bite obstructions.
The anesthetic will wear off after a few hours, and the patient can resume normal eating and brushing routines.
Future Cavity Prevention Tips
Here are a few simple practices you can implement to keep cavities at bay:
- Avoid sugary treats and drinks or starchy foods such as fruit juice, soda, pastries, and dairy products.
- Everyone loves a midnight snack, but it’s best to stop eating before it’s too late in the evening. If you do snack, be sure to brush.
- Brush and floss twice daily to clear away bacteria and left behind food.
- Use a bacteria-fighting mouthwash and stay hydrated.
- Keep up on your regular dental visits for checkups and cleanings. This will help spot cavities while they’re early enough to treat with a simple filling.
Schedule A Cavity Filling in Albion!
The Albion Family Dental team is here to provide a relaxed and stress-free experience. Call today to schedule a consultation about cavity-filling in Albion NY. 585-589-9044
Sources:
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/OHSR2019-table-25.html
[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892