Tooth decay is a prevalent dental concern among patients of all ages. Tooth decay is caused by a build-up of plaque and can often be prevented through good oral hygiene and regular preventive dental care. Sugar and starch activate the plaque, creating a chemical reaction that breaks down the tooth enamel.
As tooth enamel erodes it compromises the integrity of the tooth structure, leaving the tooth susceptible to damage and infection. Villanova Dental Studio provides comprehensive state-of-the-art preventative and general dentistry to help patients of all ages maintain their oral health and repair tooth decay.
Treatments for Tooth Decay
Treatment for tooth decay will be determined by how advanced the decay is. Early diagnosis is recommended to avoid the need for tooth extractions and to maintain as much of the natural smile as possible. Our dentists offer a range of treatments for repairing decay and restoring oral health.
Visiting the dentist at least twice a year is the best way to catch tooth decay early. However, if you begin to experience symptoms of cavities in between visits, it is best to not wait for your next appointment.
Tooth decay should be treated as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration of the tooth. Your Ottawa dentist will always try to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible to maintain your stable oral foundation. If a tooth extraction is considered necessary, we offer the latest treatment options to replace your tooth including dental implants.
Tooth Cavity FAQs
What should you do if you think you have a cavity?
If you are feeling achy pain in your tooth, or sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drink, you may want to have your teeth checked. Some other signs you may have a cavity are tooth discoloration, or a hole in your tooth. If you are experiencing any combination of these, you should contact your dentist to schedule an appointment.
Can cavities be treated with laser dentistry?
Laser dentistry can be used to treat cavities. It is considered a hard tissue procedure. The laser is used to detect cavities and then fill them. This type of procedure is known to be pain free which is a large benefit of laser dentistry.
How long does it take to fill a cavity?
It typically takes around 15 minutes to an hour to fill a cavity. The time it takes is dependent on the size, severity, and placement of the cavity. In many cases patients need to have multiple cavities filled, which may cause an appointment to take longer than an hour.
What exactly happens when you get a cavity filled?
When a patient has a cavity filled the dentist removes tooth decay and fills it with metal or a composite. Dentists numb the tooth and surrounding area prior to beginning the filling. Then they drill a hole into the tooth to remove any decayed parts and replace them with the filling.
Our dentists use Waterlase laser dentistry for minimally invasive and highly effective treatment of tooth decay. Waterlase allows for less invasive treatment that reduces swelling and discomfort. Many patients who suffer from dental anxiety find laser dentistry easier and more comfortable than traditional drills. Laser dentistry is effective at treating mild to moderate tooth decay.