Cavities develop from accumulated plaque or tartar on teeth. Visiting the dentist for a cavity helps prevent further damage, reduce pain, and maintain tooth health. Here are ways cavities form and methods used by our dental professionals at Rocky Ridge Dental to address them:
Causes of Cavities
Cavities develop from plaque and food buildup on teeth. Plaque is a sticky, invisible film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. It mixes with food and saliva, causing damage if not removed. The longer plaque remains, the more it harms the enamel, which is the outer layer of your teeth. Brushing your teeth regularly helps remove plaque, and Rocky Ridge Dental provides routine cleanings to thoroughly clean your teeth.
Plaque and bacteria feed on acids from sugary foods and drinks. This process accelerates tooth decay and enamel erosion. If not addressed promptly, tooth decay can reach the tooth’s root, leading to pain and potential infection. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene can help prevent this.
Dental X-rays
Cavities may form in places that are tough to brush or floss. Getting an X-ray from a dental professional helps pinpoint cavities that may be in between your teeth. With this information, your dental expert is able to create a treatment plan that suits your needs. X-rays can show if you have any other serious issues that require attention.
Dental Cleaning and Plaque Removal
At Rocky Ridge Dental, we tackle plaque buildup with a thorough cleaning process designed to keep your teeth and gums healthy. We begin with a comprehensive physical exam to detect any dental issues. Using specialized dental tools, we carefully remove accumulated tartar and plaque.
Following the removal of tartar and plaque, we polish your teeth to eliminate stains and surface debris, restoring the smoothness and shine of your enamel. Our specialized toothpaste offers a deeper clean, reaching areas that might have been missed earlier. We then floss to clear out any remaining plaque between your teeth and along the gumline. Finally, a fluoride rinse is used to strengthen enamel and provide additional protection against decay. Regular visits every six months provide effective cavity prevention and maintain overall dental health.
Tooth Fillings
At Rocky Ridge Dental, we provide tooth fillings to repair damage from cavities. If a cavity is present, your dentist will remove the decay and place a filling. You can select from various filling materials, such as composite, amalgam, metal, and ceramic. The procedure starts with numbing the affected area, followed by decay removal using a dental drill. After the decay is cleared, the filling is inserted, shaped, and polished to fit your tooth. The filling color is matched to your natural tooth to maintain your smile’s appearance. You might experience temporary sensitivity to hot and cold, but this usually subsides with time.
Visit Our Dentist Today
By scheduling regular visits with your dentist, you help maintain clean teeth and prevent cavities. If cavities do arise, Rocky Ridge Dental is here to repair them. Contact us now or visit our website to book an appointment with our dental team today.
