What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay is basically a decayed part of the tooth, which means it's not as strong or as hard as the rest of the tooth. As the tooth structure breaks down, it becomes softer. There are different degrees of decay. It could be a little bit of decay or extend much deeper into the tooth, eventually weakening it to the point that it can break.
What causes tooth decay?
Usually, it has a lot to do with improper cleaning. If plaque and food debris aren't removed from your teeth, especially from crevices or spaces between the teeth, decay can develop over time.
What are the signs of tooth decay?
Number one is color. The color of the tooth could look different. Another sign depends on how deep the cavity is, and a lot of times it's not painful, so you don't really know it's there. You may start becoming sensitive to cold or sweets, and that can be a sign that you have a cavity. But by then, the cavity may already be larger.
Can tooth decay lead to other complications?
The answer is yes. If the tooth becomes severely decayed, it can fracture and may eventually need to be extracted and replaced. That's something that could potentially have been taken care of when the decay had just started and was very small. At that point, you may only need a filling.
Other problems that can be caused by tooth decay include sensitivity to temperature or pain. It can start waking you up at night if the decay reaches the center of the tooth where the nerve is located. Pain, discomfort, and difficulty sleeping can all occur as tooth decay becomes more advanced.
Can tooth decay return to normal?
I know there's a lot of discussion about using hydroxyapatite or brushing your teeth with certain products to return the tooth to its original form. I wouldn't say that's completely untrue because if the decay hasn't progressed through the enamel and is still in its very early stages, there are products that can help the enamel remineralize.
But once decay has progressed further and a cavity has formed, you'll need to see a dentist to determine the appropriate treatment.
What are some treatments for tooth decay?
Number one, the decayed area of the tooth needs to be removed until we get to solid tooth structure. For a smaller area, you may get a filling. If it's bigger, you can get an inlay or onlay. You may also need a crown. Some decay is so extensive that you may need a root canal first and then a post and core and a crown. It depends on how much damage the decay has done to that particular tooth.
How do I stop tooth decay from spreading?
If you have an established cavity, you should see a dentist. The dentist can evaluate the decay and determine what treatment is needed to prevent further damage to that tooth.
Is tooth decay painful?
The answer is it can be. It could be very painful, but it could also cause no pain at all. A lot of times people think, "Because it's not painful, I don't have a cavity. Nothing hurts." The truth is that a small cavity may not hurt. That's why it's better to take care of it before it becomes a bigger cavity that's causing pain. This is one of the reasons why we do regular checkups.
When should I see a dentist if I suspect tooth decay?
The answer is as soon as possible because the dentist can determine whether it's decay or discomfort from some other reason. You might have sensitivity that isn't actually caused by decay. You also might not feel anything even when decay is present. Therefore, the best approach is to maintain a regular checkup schedule with your dentist, who can determine if you have tooth decay and what treatment, if any, is needed.
At Steinway Family Dental Center, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (929) 238-9944 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.