Are there holes or pits in your teeth? Do you have sensitivity and pain because of your cavities? We can help. Cavities are a common sign of tooth decay. Many patients can develop cavities over time. Cavities destroy the natural tooth structure and can leave teeth susceptible to further loss. Even if patients have one cavity, decay can also spread to other teeth. Our dental office can help patients with cavities in Chapel Hill, NC. We will review the common causes and treatments for cavities at our practice.
What Causes Cavities?
Harmful bacteria can collect in the mouth due to sugars and starches left in the mouth. The bacteria feed on food debris left between teeth and on the gum tissue. Over time, the bacteria produce digestive acids that break down the tooth enamel, creating cavities. Dental cavities can begin small but can expose more and more of the inside of the tooth over time. Cavities also leave patients at risk of losing permanent teeth as the harmful bacteria break down the tooth.
Some of the top causes of cavities include sugary foods and drinks, dry mouth, acid reflux, a lack of fluoride, and a poor oral hygiene routine. Along with cavities, patients with a dental infection may experience toothaches, tooth sensitivity, facial swelling, and even fever. It is important to visit the dentist on a regular basis so we can keep track of your smile and any emerging symptoms or problems like tooth cavities.
Treat Cavities in Chapel Hill, NC
Our dental office provides root canal treatment and dental fillings to preserve natural teeth. We recommend root canals if patients have infected dental pulp. Sometimes, large cavities can expose the pulp to infection. The dental pulp is a tooth’s blood vessels, cells, and nerves. We remove the infected dental pulp from within the tooth chamber during a root canal. We may make a hole in the back of the tooth if there is not enough room to access the chamber. Then, we thoroughly clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth. Finally, we fill the cavity with a dental filling.
Patients with smaller dental cavities can benefit from a cleaning and dental filling. While traditional dental fillings are made of amalgamated metal, we recommend white fillings. White fillings are made of composite material that can blend in with the color of natural teeth. We may also recommend dental crowns if patients need to support worn teeth after root canal treatment. Dental crowns are tooth-colored caps that fully cover teeth. They help create a more balanced bite and protect weakened teeth, especially if cavities and decay have compromised the tooth’s structure.
Do you have tooth pain, sensitivity, and holes in your enamel? Contact Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today at 919.736.6175. You can also request a dental consultation with us on our website. Please let us know if you have any questions about dental cavities, tooth decay, or any current symptoms. We’re here to help you get the care you need.