Cavities in Newtown, Bucks County, PA
Symptoms of Cavities
When cavities are forming, they can have symptoms that are difficult to notice. These symptoms include a slight sensitivity to cold and mild discoloration of the tooth surface. As the cavity advances, a dark spot becomes more apparent and the tooth sensitivity will increase. When a cavity reaches the tooth’s pulp, it can become painful and you may experience a bad taste in your mouth. If a cavity is not treated at this point, the tooth becomes prone to infection, can abscess, and be lost. When one tooth is lost, the other teeth tend to shift. This can cause additional discomfort.
Cavity Treatment
Depending on the cavity’s advancement, there are different types of dental procedures for treating a cavity, such as fillings, crowns, and root canals:
- Fillings – Fillings are used to treat small cavities and require removing the affected portion of the tooth and replacing it with filling materials such as porcelain or composite resin. We do not recommend mercury amalgam fillings.
- Crowns (or Caps) – Dental Crowns are used to treat larger cavities. They require removing the decayed portion of the tooth and reshaping to allow the crown to fit over top. The crown (cap) provides a solid structure that functions like a normal tooth.
- Root Canals– If the cavity affects the tooth’s pulp, you may need root canal therapy. This treatment involves removing the tooth’s pulp and nerve and sealing them to prevent food and saliva from entering. Root canal therapy is typically followed with a crown to protect the tooth.
Cavity Prevention
- Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day
- Minimize the intake of products high in sugar and starch
- Visit the dentist every six months for a complete check-up
- Ask for a professional cleaning twice a year, if you do not smoke (sooner when the tartar build-up is high).
Cavities are common and should be taken care of in the early stages. It is in your control to prevent small problems from becoming bigger problems. Don’t let them be an untimely source of distraction and discomfort. Visit our Office today for cost-effective and reliable treatment of cavities in Newtown.