Reasons Not To Ignore A Cavity
It is important that patients visit our office for routine oral hygiene examinations and cleanings. During these visits, we thoroughly check your teeth, gums, and mouth for problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. One of the most common problems we see among patients of all ages is cavities. You have most likely heard the term “cavity” or have even experienced this problem and needed to receive treatment. We want to share more about cavities and the importance of receiving immediate treatment. Read on to learn more.
What is a Cavity?
Have you or a loved one experienced a cavity? Most people have heard the term or even experienced it and needed treatment, but do you understand how a cavity develops? A cavity is the result of dental decay that develops when an overabundance of bacteria and plaque begins to eat away at the tooth enamel. Cavities can develop on the tops of teeth, between teeth, and along the gumline. This is why we insist that patients brush and floss their teeth properly.
What Happens If a Cavity Goes Untreated?
Dental decay does not heal on its own. In fact, it will continue to worsen until you are in extreme discomfort or have a dental emergency. A cavity will continue to grow and expand from the enamel to further inside the tooth and eventually make its way into the root, requiring root canal treatment. If a cavity grows and expands too much, we will need to perform a tooth extraction.
If we recommend a filling for you or a family member and you need to schedule your treatment, we encourage you to contact our office to schedule your appointment as soon as possible. We would also love to hear from you if you or a family member needs an oral hygiene examination and cleaning. We are happy to help patients located in Wilmington, Pike Creek, Newark, DE, and the surrounding areas. We hope to see you soon.
