Best Dentist In Worcester
Best Dentist In Worcester | Almost everyone has heard of cavities. But what are they really? What causes them and how can you prevent them? And if your efforts at prevention fail, how are they treated?
If you should develop cavities, your best dentist in Worcester can provide an appropriate treatment, which is typically a dental filling.
What are cavities?
A dental cavity is a hole that forms in a tooth when tooth enamel is eroded by acidic substances in the mouth. Left untreated, cavities can cause toothaches and an infection resulting in a tooth extraction.
Dental cavities do not spare anyone. People of all ages can get them. The best way to prevent tooth decay and cavities is to practice good oral hygiene at home by brushing and flossing regularly.
You should also keep up with your regular dental exams and cleanings.
By the time people have entered their mid-thirties, over 80% have developed at least one cavity. In fact, cavities are one of the most common medical conditions affecting all age groups.
What types of cavities are there?
The process of cavities forming sometimes takes longer than you may realize. It can actually take several years for a cavity to develop in tooth enamel. For this reason, visit your best dentist in Worcester as recommended.
Once the decay has reached the dentin layer of your tooth, which is much softer than enamel, it progresses rapidly into the dental pulp. Dental pulp contains the nerve endings of your tooth and its blood supply.
Some types of tooth decay are:
- Smooth surface. This is a slow-developing cavity, destroying tooth enamel. Proper brushing and flossing can help to prevent or reverse it.
- Pit and fissure tooth decay. This type of tooth decay develops on the upper part of the tooth chewing surface or the front side of the back teeth.
- Root decay. Older people with receding gums are more likely to develop root decay. The recession of gums exposes the roots of the teeth to damage.
What causes cavities?
A number of factors come into play in cavity development, including:
- Oral bacteria feeding on sugary foods and beverages.
- Saliva, acids and bacteria combined to form plaque that coats the teeth.
- Without proper oral care, plaque acids destroy tooth enamel, leading to the formation of cavities. That’s why visiting your best dentist in Worcester is highly recommended.
How are cavities treated?
The type of treatment used for cavities is dependent upon the severity of tooth decay. Some treatments for cavities include:
- Fluoride. If decay is detected in its early stages, fluoride may be able to repair the damaged tooth enamel in a process known as re-mineralization.
- Dental fillings. Your dentist will remove the decayed material and use a filling to seal the hole.
- Root Canal. This is a treatment for root decay pain. Your dentist or endodontist will remove the dental pulp that is housing nerve endings that are causing the pain.
