What is tooth decay?
Decay is basically something that is spoiled or not good, not full anymore. When you have a tooth structure, the tooth is really hard, right? It's the only bone we have that is outside of the meat because you have access to it. All the other bone we have is preserved by the soft tissue, by the meat around it. That bone is really hard.
However, when it's decayed, it is not as hard anymore and becomes softer. Most of the time, it comes with a change of color. It's not as bright white anymore, becoming much darker, and you can see it. Sometimes it's visible with the naked eye, and sometimes you need a dental X-ray to detect it.
What causes dental decay?
When food stays on the tooth too long or long enough for it to oxidize and become more acidic, it makes the enamel on the tooth softer. Because it's getting softer, it starts to decay. Improper cleaning, when you don't clean it on time or thoroughly enough, is when you would get cavities or decay.
What are the effects of tooth decay?
Number one, it doesn't look pretty. Number two, it could give you odor from the mouth, and people will notice that. They might not be as happy to get too close to you, and you may notice that when they're speaking with you, they're a little bit farther away. This could be because of the odor from decay, not just because gum disease is present or there's an infection in the mouth. It can also be painful. Depending on the extent of the decay, it could reach the nerve inside the center of the tooth and be very painful.
Can it lead to further complications?
Yes, it can lead to tooth loss or the breakage of the tooth. Then you would need more involved dental treatment, surgical treatment, or root canal treatment, and then you would need a crown on it, and so on. There's more than a simple solution to it, unlike just getting your cleaning done.
Can tooth decay return to normal?
There are a lot of homeopathic remedies that claim they can fix decay, but in reality, the only thing that fixes cavities or decay is a dentist. If the decay is just starting and it's not a cavity yet, meaning it has not passed through the whole enamel layer of the tooth, it is possible to use special products that will remineralize enamel and make it strong again.
But as soon as it goes through all of the enamel, that's it. The only person who can fix it is the dentist. There are no other products that will fix it.
At what point is tooth decay irreversible?
If it reaches the end of the enamel, the enamel is a certain thickness of the tooth. When the decay goes through the enamel, it is still fixable. Once it goes all the way through, then you cannot fix it anymore. You would need to have a dentist look at it and do a filling on it if possible. If not, they will suggest the best solution for it.
What are some treatments for tooth decay?
As I mentioned before, you may just need a filling, which is a very simple solution. Sometimes we do it with a laser, and if it is with a laser, you don't even need injections. That doesn't mean the filling is not deep.
With laser dentistry, we're able to do fillings that are deep or not deep. The beauty of it is that you don't get an injection for those fillings. It's very simple, and you can use the filling right away after it's done. You don't have to wait to not be numb anymore because you're not going to be numb for the procedure. There's no need for an injection, and it's a very simple procedure.
How do I stop tooth decay from spreading?
Number one, see a dentist. That is the best way to stop the spread of decay. You can also brush and floss regularly and have regular visits to the dentist. That would help a lot.
When should I see a dentist about treating a tooth decay?
You should see a dentist regularly because prevention is the best treatment. It's also the least expensive treatment. If you're seeing your dentist regularly, brushing, and flossing your teeth, and not getting cavities, that is probably the best way to treat cavities.
Of course, if you already have some decay, then you can see a dentist to have the decay fixed, removed, and restore the tooth structure to its glory when it was not decayed. That is the best way to fix that.
Want to learn more? Call Steinway Family Dental Center at (929) 238-9944 or email [email protected]. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help schedule your visit.