Did you spot a hole in your tooth? It is highly likely that you are dealing with a cavity. When plaque eats away the tooth enamel, the resulting decay occurs in stages, with the cavity being a serious one that requires immediate dental treatment. But can you reverse a cavity?
In its early stages, you can reverse tooth decay with the help of minerals from salivary flow, fluoride toothpaste, and other resources. When the tooth decay advances into a cavity, you can reverse it — but you will need professional help. In this blog, we will discuss cavity treatments. Carry on reading to learn more!
How to Reverse a Cavity
To answer, yes, you can reverse cavities. However, you will need to visit a dentist as the cavity is only reversible with the help of dental treatments. Here are some cavity treatments your dentist might opt for:
1. Fluoride Treatment: You can reverse tooth decay in its early stages with the help of fluoride treatments. By remineralizing and strengthening your teeth, the benefits of this procedure last for years to come.
2. Dental Filling: Small cavities might require resin or composite dental fillings. The dentist will remove the decayed area of the tooth, filling it with tooth-colored material that helps restore the damage.
3. Inlays or Onlays: Sometimes, the cavity is too large for a filling. In that case, the dentist might recommend inlays and onlays, a procedure similar to dental fillings. Inlays and onlays are suitable for deep and large cavities.
4. Dental Crown: A dental crown comes in handy when the decay affects the strength or appearance of the affected tooth. After the required treatment, the dentist will place a dental crown to cover the tooth.
5. Root Canal: In some instances, the cavity is pretty deep and permits bacteria to enter the pulp of the tooth. Consequently, an infection might occur, necessitating the need for a root canal. Once the infected pulp is removed, the endodontist will seal the tooth hole.
Tooth decay can occur in various stages. Your dentist can help determine which course of action to take based on the size, location, and level. Therefore, if you experience cavity symptoms, waste no time visiting your dentist.
Steps to Prevent a Cavity
Every dentist insists on regular dental examinations, but do you know why? Because professionals assess your teeth every few months, they help spot any dental issues before they cause serious complications. Similarly, the dentist can prevent cavities soon if they are caught early.
Initially, it may be possible to reverse tooth decay. Still, it is better not to have cavities at all. So, here are a few tips to prevent a cavity:
- Two minutes a day, use fluoride toothpaste to thoroughly brush your teeth twice daily.
- Utilize interdental cleaners or floss to clean the area between your teeth as well as the spot between your teeth and the gum line. This helps get rid of plaque or bacteria that can advance into a cavity.
- Ask your dentist’s advice on increasing exposure to fluoride products and the correct quantity.
- Visit your dentist every six months to receive a dental cleaning and examination.
What’s Next?
When it is just starting to form, tooth decay can be reversed. However, in most cases, we neglect tooth decay until it becomes severe and turns into a cavity. For cavities, you will need professional dental treatments such as dental fillings, root canals, and more.
At Smile Forever Dental, we know how to put a stop to tooth decay and restore your teeth. Dial (661) 666-4433 to get started, or visit us at 27947 Sloan Canyon Rd, Castaic, CA 91384, United States.