What are dental cavities?
So dental cavities are caused by bacteria in your mouth, which start to compromise the hard outermost layer of your tooth. And there are different stages of cavities. We ideally like to catch them early on, but if they have progressed further, oftentimes patients will start to feel sensitivity, and then they tend to seek us out for help.
How does a dentist check for cavities?
So dentists will check for cavities in a couple of ways. We will always usually get x-rays to see if radiographically we can detect the cavity, but we also do a clinical examination to see if your tooth has any chips. We are also looking for texture, so tactile examinations will tell us if your tooth is starting to look mushy. In that case, then we don't have healthy tooth structure, and it indicates that you might have a cavity.
What are the stages of cavities?
So stages of cavities, again, they start off kind of small. They're small, and usually you don't feel them at that point when they're restricted to the outermost enamel layer. But if you don't seek out dental exams and get updated cleanings, then if they often go missed and they will progress into the second layer, which is the dentin, and it's softer, when you start to feel some sensitivity then, and if it continues to progress, it can get into your pulp, and that's when you feel a lot more symptoms.
Is it possible for cavities to go away?
It is possible for cavities to go away. With that said, it's usually in the early stages. So again, if the cavity is restricted only to the enamel outer layer, and if the patient is really good with home care, and you're using fluoridated toothpaste, you're coming in for cleanings, you can often remineralize that outer layer. But usually if it's reached the second layer, we need to take action and get a filling done.
Can dental cleanings prevent cavities?
Yes, dental cleanings can prevent cavities. Oftentimes when you come in for your cleaning, you get examinations and x-rays to supplement. At that time, it's great for dentists to be able to catch these tiny cavities early on before they become symptomatic. And with the professional dental cleanings, our hygienists are great at cleaning all the hard-to-reach spots that you may not be able to address at home with your own brushing. But if you come in for your professional cleanings, we can get all those areas and often help reduce the bacteria load in your mouth.
What should I do if I suspect a cavity?
If you suspect you have a cavity, usually it'll present itself as sensitivity to sweets, cold, things like that, then you should definitely call your general dentist to be seen and get x-rays and they will treat them and plan accordingly.
So I hope we've been able to answer some of your questions. If you need additional help or have other questions, please give our office a call at (315) 630-3637.