Not All Cavities Are The Same
If you have ever had cavities, you may be familiar with the pain and discomfort they can give. So much so that you will seek specialized treatment to remove the symptoms and restore the concerned tooth’s normal function and form. There are different types of cavities as well as treatments they require.
Cavities are considered decayed parts of teeth, and they are not all the same. There are three types. A smooth surface decay is a type of cavity that occurs on the flat surface of the outside of teeth. It is not as serious as other types though it is the result of plaque buildup on the surface that points to faulty or ineffectual brushing and flossing. It is usually treatable with fluoride application. You have a pit and fissure decay when you find them at the back teeth. These teeth have chewing surfaces that are characterized by grooves and elevations where bacteria easily lodge; it can be prevented by proper tooth brushing. Unattended, this type of decay can become more serious. Lastly, a root decay is found in roots of the teeth, usually among older adults with receding gums.
Remember that plaque buildup is usually caused by oral hygiene neglect. Bacteria abound in the oral cavity and mix up with the plaque, secreting acids. This process creates cavities. There are a variety of treatment options available to address the problem and that depends on the severity of the decay.
Fillings are the most common form of treatment for moderate to severe cavities. The severity and location on the tooth dictate which dental filling is appropriate. Composite resin is the most common filling for front teeth cavities, including those in between teeth. They are tooth-colored, bond well with tooth structure, and are versatile. Cavities in the back teeth require more durable fillings because of the forces applied on them. Silver (amalgam) or gold fillings are used for these types. Other filling types are ceramics and glass ionomer.
Crowns are an option for the more extreme cases of tooth decay, when too much of the tooth structure is lost due to severe infection or trauma. Large fillings may not be the best option as they might just lead to cracking and breaking of both the filling and the little remaining tooth structure. It is better to use artificial crowns made of alloy or porcelain.
Root Canals are the solution for a tooth cavity with an already damaged nerve.The decay may have penetrated the dentin and damaged the pulp, necessitating complete removal of the dying or dead contents. It may also require placing a crown over the affected root.
Tooth extraction is the last resort for cavities when none of the above mentioned options are not sufficient to fix the problem. The gums may be infected and such may spread to the jaw bone. The resulting gap between the teeth will require a replacement crown.
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