How Do Dentists Fix Cavities?

How Do Dentists Fix a Cavity?
The human mouth contains bacterias that breaks down the sugar that’s left on your teeth. As the sugar breaks down, it turns into acid that can damage the outer coating of your teeth, called the “enamel” of your tooth. If left untreated, this acid will then continue to erode its surface, creating holes in the tooth called cavities. In addition to cavities, you can actually develop a more serious periodontal disease and even bone loss from not brushing your teeth.

What is a Cavity?
A cavity is a hole that develops in your teeth from the acid that’s produced by the bacteria in your mouth. This bacteria eats away the minerals faster than the tooth can repair it. There’s usually no symptoms of cavity until the tooth has decayed to the point where it develops an infection. When this happens, patients experience sharp pain known as a toothache, which could be mild to very excruciating, depending on how severe the tooth cavity is.

Preventing Cavities
Most dentists recommend brushing for two minutes, twice per day, and flossing once per day. By not brushing, bacteria can build up to form a clear sticky film on your teeth called plaque. Brushing your teeth regularly throughout the day can help remove the plaque and prevent it from forming. It’s very important to avoid plaque since this is the primary reason for tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease known as gingivitis start to form in the mouth.

Filling a Cavity
Tooth filling is a way to restore a damaged teeth from decay. When applying filling, the dentist will first numb the area. Then, an instrument will be used to remove any decayed tooth material. Instruments that are typically used will include a laser, drill, or air abrasion instrument. Once the entire affected area is cleaned from any tooth decay, the cavity must be cleaned to create space for the filling. After the dentist fills the tooth, it must be polished and in order to match the original tooth shape. This will help ensure the patient is comfortable and has a natural mouth closure. A filling will also prevent bacteria from entering the tooth, thus protecting you from any further problems.

Like any prevention method, cavities must be caught as early as possible. Fillings are much easier and less expensive if the cavity is not as decayed. In some cases, the tooth has decayed to the point where the nerve is in danger. Under these circumstances, the dentist will use a liner to protect the nerve before injecting the filling.

Crowning a Tooth
When a tooth decay is severe, it can cause it to break. In this case, the tooth can only be repaired with a crown. A crown is sometimes added after a root canal (which is the removal of the infected pulp all the way down to your bone) to prevent the tooth from breaking. A crown will hold a very fragile tooth together, maximizing the chances the user can keep his or her teeth. A crown is intended to look like an actual tooth, allowing patients to keep their dental work a secret.

Good Oral Care is Essential
Taking the time to clean, floss, and rinse your teeth twice a day is well worth it. It can save you a lot of money and sanity. For this reason, people must practice good oral hygiene.

If you’re looking for the best dentist in Miami, look no further! Dr. Ramon Bana takes pride in helping improve your smile and your oral health. Please call to schedule an appointment with our friendly staff at (305) 857-3137. We hope to hear from you and we look forward to helping you achieve an amazing smile!