General Dentistry: Can Cavities Be Reversed?

The benefits that general dentistry offices provide can benefit your oral health now and in the future. Even if you do not have any problems with your teeth or gums, regular visits are crucial. One of the biggest issues that dentists see and treat is tooth decay. Cavities can be painful and can eventually destroy teeth. You can take comfort to know that your dentist has the knowledge and training to treat cavities and repair your tooth.

Cavities: A description and what causes them

Cavities are tiny holes that form on the surface of a tooth. A cavity will attack the enamel layer of a tooth, causing deterioration. Untreated, it can eat through the tooth to the dentin layer and deeper. As a cavity grows, it can affect the nerves and root of the tooth, eventually leading to tooth loss.

Brushing at least twice a day will prevent cavities, but neglecting this habit increases the chances of decay forming. Poor flossing can also cause decay. People who eat a diet high in sugar are also prone to having cavities. Not seeing the dentist regularly will also raise a person’s risk of having cavities.

Brushing

Not only can brushing prevent cavities from forming, but this habit can reverse their effects. A general dentistry dentist will advise people with beginning-stage cavities to increase brushing. Brushing will re-mineralize the tooth and strengthen the enamel. Make sure that the toothpaste contains fluoride. Brushing after meals and before bedtime will be most effective.

Fluoride treatments

Another approach the general dentistry office may take is to provide fluoride treatments. This will happen at a regular checkup. It is common to do this for children and teens, but patients of any age can benefit. The dentist may have the patient swish fluoride around in the mouth for 60 seconds. Filling fluoride in a mouthpiece and placing it in the mouth is another option. This treatment can build up the tooth and reverse the formation of cavities.

For deep cavities

Larger cavities will require the services of a general dentistry office. The dentist will take X-rays and examine the patient to determine the extent of the damage. Normally, a filling can repair the cavities and seal the tooth to prevent further issues. For more extensive cavities that a filling cannot support, a root canal may be necessary. To do this, the dentist will drill into the tooth and remove the pulp, which contains nerves and vessels. The dentist then cleans out the tooth and covers it with a crown.