Dentists around the world see the destruction of dental
caries inpatients mouths every day. Tooth decay is a leading cause of tooth
restoration in children and a vast amount of adults. Preventative care against
tooth decay is supported by routine cleaning visits. Unfortunately, many
patients avoid preventative check-ups and schedule an appointment once the pain
becomes intolerable.
The early stages of tooth decay begin as a small patch of
softened tooth enamel. The areas largely
affected are most often the ones hidden out of sight within the grooves or
between teeth. Without proper dental
care (a filling at this point) the dental caries works its way down to the
softer inner portion of the tooth. This area (the pulp of the tooth) is where
the nerves of the tooth are located. Dental caries will also attack the roots
of a tooth via gum line. Gum recession often results from a part of the aging
process or from poor daily brushing regimens.
RestorationProcedures to Treat Dental Caries
Fillings - When
cavities are small and haven’t had the time to create excess damage or travel
to the pulp of the tooth. The dentist will drill out the decay and restore the
area with a filling.
Crowns -When tooth
decay has had time to spread to a large portion of the tooth, or older fillings
are present weakening the overall condition of the tooth, the dentist will
crown or cap the tooth. The dentist will prepare the tooth and place a
temporary crown over the tooth until the permanent restoration is complete.
During a second dental visit, the dentist will permanently cement the crown
onto the affected tooth.
Root Canal Therapy - When
dental caries has traveled into the pulp are of the tooth or below the gum line
to affect the roots, root canal therapy will treat the affected area. A crown is used to seal the tooth and protect
the remaining tooth area from further damage.
Extraction - A
dentist uses extraction as a last course of action to treat dental caries. It
is always best practice to keep as much of the original tooth intact. A missing
tooth can and will evolve into a new set of dental problems if the space is
left empty. If extraction is a necessary course of action, a dentist will
discuss replacement options to fill the gap.
Prevent Tooth Decay
Prevention is the best action to attack dental caries. There
are several ways to attack tooth decay before it begins:
· Use fluorides or drink water treated with
fluoride to strengthen teeth against tooth decay
· Limit sugar consumption and rinse or brush soon
after consumption
· Talk to the dentist about pit and fissure
sealants to protect hard to reach areas
· Don’t avoid routine cleaning appointments. The
hygienists can help you become more familiar with areas you may not brush as
well as others. Tartar is removed to
help keep dental caries from traveling under the gum line.
· Maintain a healthy brushing regimen that
includes brushing and flossing at least twice a day
Don’t avoid the dentist. Work with the entire team of professionals
at Diablo Pacific Dental Group to learn how to fight back and limit or prevent
the spread of dental caries. Call our office today!
