A cavity is one of the most common dental issues, and it’s something that most of us will deal with at some point. It can be a little unnerving to hear you have one, but the good news is that they are highly treatable. At Como Lake Village Dental, we want to help you understand what a cavity is, how we treat it, and how you can prevent them from forming in the first place.
What is a Cavity? 🦷
A cavity, also known as dental caries, is a small hole or pit that forms in your tooth. It happens when the hard outer surface of your tooth, called enamel, is damaged. This damage is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. When you eat and drink, especially sugary or starchy foods, the bacteria in plaque produce acids. These acids attack your enamel, and over time, they can wear it away, creating a cavity.
Cavities don’t always cause pain at first. In the early stages, you might not even notice you have one. But if left untreated, a cavity can get larger and deeper, eventually reaching the more sensitive inner layers of your tooth. This is when you might start to feel pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, or discomfort when you bite down.
How Do We Treat a Cavity?
The most common and effective treatment for a cavity is a filling. A dental filling is a restoration that repairs the damaged part of your tooth. The process is straightforward and typically completed in a single visit.
First, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Then, they will use a small dental drill to carefully remove the decayed portion of the tooth. Once the decay is gone, the dentist will clean the area and prepare it for the filling material.
The material used for fillings has come a long way. At Como Lake Village Dental, we often use tooth-coloured composite resin fillings. These are a great option because they are durable and can be matched to the natural shade of your teeth, making them virtually invisible. The dentist will apply the composite material in layers and use a special light to harden each layer. Finally, the filling is shaped and polished to match the rest of your tooth, restoring its function and appearance.
For very large cavities or when a tooth is severely weakened, a filling might not be enough. In these cases, we might recommend a crown. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the entire tooth, strengthening it and protecting it from further damage. If the decay has reached the pulp—the innermost part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels—you might need a root canal. This procedure removes the infected pulp and saves the tooth from extraction.
Read More: Achieving a Brighter Smile: What Makes a Top Dentist in Coquitlam, BC?
How to Prevent Cavities
Preventing cavities is easier than you might think. It all comes down to good oral hygiene and making smart choices.
* Brush and Floss Daily: This is your number one defence against cavities. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day removes the plaque and food particles that cause decay.
* Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: Sugary snacks, sodas, and juices feed the bacteria in your mouth, which in turn produce more acid. Try to limit these and opt for healthier choices like fruits and vegetables.
* Use Fluoride: Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to acid attacks. Many toothpastes and tap water in Coquitlam contain fluoride.
* Visit Us Regularly: Regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings are essential. Your dentist can spot cavities in their earliest stages, when they are easiest to treat, and provide a deep cleaning to remove plaque buildup you may have missed.
At Como Lake Village Dental in Coquitlam, we are dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Don’t let a cavity cause you stress. Contact us today to book your appointment, and let us help you keep your smile bright and healthy for years to come!