What Do You Know About Cavities?
It is important that patients visit our office regularly for oral hygiene examinations and cleanings. These appointments are necessary because they give us the opportunity to thoroughly clean your teeth and check for problems in your mouth, such as gum disease and oral cancer. The most common problem patients experience is tooth decay, also commonly referred to as cavities. Do you know how cavities form and why they can be so harmful if not treated? Read on to learn more.
What is a Cavity?
Have you or a loved one ever experienced a cavity? If so, you are not alone. Cavities are one of the most common dental problems that we treat daily. A cavity is the result of dental decay, which is caused when there is a buildup of plaque and bacteria that has turned into acid and begins to eat away at the surface of the tooth. Cavities can be found on the surface of the teeth, between the teeth, and along the gumline. They can affect patients of all ages. This is one of the main reasons we are extremely passionate about our patients brushing and flossing their teeth regularly.
What Happens When a Cavity Goes Untreated?
When we detect decay and recommend treatment, it is important to schedule your appointment as soon as possible. Dental decay will continue to progress and worsen until treatment is received. If you do not get the treatment in a timely manner, the cavity will continue to grow and move from the tooth enamel, which is the outer part of the tooth, to the pulp, which is found inside the tooth. This is when we may recommend a different treatment, such as a dental crown or even a root canal.
If you need to schedule an appointment for a cavity or another treatment or need an oral hygiene examination and cleaning, be sure to contact our office, which is located on the Upper East Side. We are also happy to help if you or a loved one has postponed treatment due to a fear or phobia of the dentist or dental treatment. We would love to hear from you soon!
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