Did you know that cavities are one of the most common dental problems? According to an article published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), approximately 90% of adults aged 20 to 64 have had at least one cavity in their lifetimes.
At Naylors Court Dental, we believe knowledge is power. Understanding why cavities happen and how tooth-colored fillings fix them can help you make more informed decisions about your dental care.
What Causes Cavities?
Cavities start with bacteria. The sticky film that forms on your teeth, called plaque, contains millions of bacteria from the sugar and carbohydrates from the food and drinks you consume. When bacteria feast on these sugars, they produce acid.
That acid sits on the surface of your teeth and slowly eats away at the enamel. This process creates a small hole in the enamel, the hard outer layer of your tooth, and we call it a cavity.
Without treatment, the hole grows deeper into the tooth. It can eventually reach the inner layer of the tooth, called the pulp, which carries nerves and blood vessels and becomes very painful. At that point, you may need a root canal rather than a simple filling.
How Tooth-Colored Fillings in Pikesville, MD, Fix Cavities
When your dentist finds a cavity, the first step is to remove the decayed portion of the tooth. This cleans out the bacteria and stops the damage from spreading.
Once the dentist removes the decay, they use a tooth-colored resin material to fill the cavity and restore the tooth to its original shape and strength. Your dentist then shapes the material to match the tooth’s natural contours and then hardens it with a curing light.
The result blends in with the surrounding tooth, and even you might have trouble spotting the repair.
When to See Your Dentist
Cavities do not always cause pain in the early stages, but you may notice a dark spot on a tooth. Waiting until it hurts often means the decay has already progressed. Routine checkups at Naylors Court Dental in Pikesville, MD give your dentist the chance to find and treat cavities while they are still small and easier to treat.
If you think you might have a cavity or are due for your next dental checkup, call us at (410) 267-3039.