You don’t have to live with the pain of tooth decay, not when there are plenty of ways to get a cavity fixed at your local Espire Dental office. 

By adulthood, almost everyone will have dealt with a cavity. So, if you’ve had one, you are not alone! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 90 percent of the U.S. population will have had at least one cavity by age 20. Whether young or old, nearly every person will get a cavity treated during their lifetime.

Accordingly, fixing a cavity is one of the most frequently performed dental procedures. Yet alarmingly, a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association revealed one in five adults has untreated tooth decay! With so many effective treatments available, no one should avoid having a cavity fixed.

How do cavities happen?

An acid forms when the bacteria in the sticky plaque coating a tooth combines with the sugars in sweets and starches. Over time, the acid creates a pit or cavity in the tooth’s enamel (outer layer). Cavities happen most often on the large molars where bacteria has a larger surface to grow. 

Excessive consumption of sugary foods and drinks is the leading culprit of tooth decay (dental caries). Failing to brush and floss regularly allows the bacteria and plaque to stick to the tooth longer and cause decay. But decay can also be due to dry mouth, a condition that decreases the amount of saliva in the mouth. Saliva washes away a lot of the bacteria and food particles in the mouth. As a result, not producing enough saliva raises the risk of dental caries.

You may not experience any symptoms at first. But if left untreated, a cavity may cause severe toothache, sensitivity to extreme temperatures, and pain when chewing. You may also see a hole or a white, brown, or black stain on the tooth.

How are cavities fixed?

Your dentist has several options to fix your cavity. Much depends on the extent of the decay, but you can expect one of these procedures to take care of your cavity:

Fluoride treatment. In its earliest stage, a cavity may be reversed by applying fluoride to strengthen the enamel.

Filling. The most common cavity treatment, a filling closes the cavity with tooth-colored materials such as composite resin, porcelain, or a combination of materials. 

Dental crown. Significant decay may need a crown or cap to protect most of the natural tooth. The crown will match the natural color and shape of your tooth.

Root canal. A root canal removes any decay or infection that has spread to the tooth’s inner pulp. The treated tooth is then restored with a filling or crown.

If the tooth decay is so severe that it cannot be treated with a filling or crown, it may require an extraction. Tooth loss is one possible complication of an untreated cavity. An abscess, infection that spreads to other parts of the body, or a change in the positioning or functioning of the tooth are other potential serious health problems associated with tooth decay.

How to prevent cavities

As common as cavities are, they are also highly preventable with changes to your lifestyle and dental hygiene habits. If you want to avoid the discomfort of cavities, try these four tips:

Brush and floss daily. Daily brushing and flossing reduces the amount of decay-causing bacteria and plaque on the teeth. For extra cleansing and enamel-strengthening power, use fluoride toothpaste. If you find traditional floss challenging to use, get a water flosser.

Cut down on sweets. Sugar supercharges acid formation that leads to cavities. If you must indulge, brush soon afterward. Better yet, fill up on fruits and vegetables to increase saliva flow and fight cavities. 

Get more fluoride. Towns fortify their water supplies with fluoride. So, instead of sipping bottled water, get a refreshing drink from your tap.

Schedule regular dental checkups. Visit your dentist twice yearly for a checkup to spot any signs of decay. Early treatment can treat and possibly reverse a cavity. 

Don’t delay. Get your cavity treated now!

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Casper, Wyoming, location today! Our highly trained dentists can check your teeth for decay and treat your cavities with the latest methods before it gets any worse. Don’t live near our Casper, Wyoming, office? Find one of our other locations near you.

Casper, Wyoming
1530 Centennial Ct. 
Suite A 
Casper, WY 82609