A cavity in your tooth is actually a small hole that has been caused by decay. When acids from bacteria eat away your tooth enamel, then the softer part of your tooth beneath the enamel becomes damaged. Any tooth can get a cavity, including baby teeth.
Cavities are caused by bacteria in your mouth turning the sugar in your foods and drinks into acid that breaks up the tough enamel layer of your teeth. That’s why dentists like to remind kids that sugary drinks and snacks are not good for their teeth. It’s also important to brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth clean so the bacteria and food particles don’t have a chance to create a cavity. Regular dental checkups are necessary, too, so your dentist can spot cavities early when they are easier to treat.
Many people do not notice cavities. They find out they have a cavity when they go to the dentist for a checkup. However, there are some signs and symptoms that can let you know something is wrong with your teeth:
It’s important to get treatment for all cavities, including the ones that form in baby teeth. Even though baby teeth eventually fall out, a cavity can grow and spread to nearby parts of the child’s mouth, causing bigger problems such as infection. Healthy baby teeth lead to healthy adult teeth.
When you come in for your regular dental exam and cleaning, your dentist will check your teeth for cavities, looking inside your mouth and examining any dental x-rays that were taken. If you have a cavity, we will usually schedule another appointment to take care of it. Cavity treatments available at Today’s Dental in Omaha include:
Before the dental filling is put into your tooth, the dentist drills out the decayed material that is inside the cavity. If the cavity is fairly deep, this step will probably be preceded by applying local anesthesia to your mouth, so you don’t feel the drill. Once the cavity is clean, we fill it with a composite filling. These are tooth-colored, so you probably won’t even see it when you look inside your mouth. The filling hardens and is soon safe to bite down on.
Sometimes a cavity grows until it has affected the root of your tooth. This can be painful. A root canal is a dental procedure that cleans out the infected area of the root. You can read more about root canal therapy.
Large cavities weaken teeth, so they may no longer be able to function properly. If this is the case, we can cover the tooth with a dental crown. The crown keeps the cavity from spreading, and it protects the tooth from damage. A dental crown is very strong and durable, even stronger than a filling. You will be able to chew with it for years to come.
Your dentist in Omaha will do everything possible to save your natural teeth. However, there are times when the decay has damaged too much of the tooth, and it needs to be removed. Tooth extraction is a last resort, but if it has to happen, then you can rely on Today’s Dental to give you excellent options for tooth replacement.
Have you ever received a fluoride treatment during your regular dental checkup? This simple application of fluoride to your teeth actually helps fight cavities. Through a remineralization process, the fluoride restores enamel that has been damaged. This is only possible if the cavity is caught in its very beginning stage. We offer fluoride treatments at Today’s Dental, and we can prescribe special fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash if the dentist thinks it would be beneficial for you.
Tooth decay is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth. Left untreated, the acids found in plaque buildup cause weakness which can eventually result in cavities (holes) in the enamel of your teeth where the tooth will begin to decay. A poor diet, sugary drinks, poor oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions and medications are among the causes of tooth decay.
At Today’s Dental, we can assess your oral health to help find the cause of your bad breath. Then, we can provide you with a halitosis treatment that will give you the confidence you need to smile wide. Book your appointment right now, and let us help you get a fresher breath.
Our professional dental staff is sensitive to what you may be feeling if you have chronic bad breath. We are committed to being caring and compassionate. It’s our job to help you in all matters of oral health, including halitosis. You don’t need to feel anxious or embarrassed to discuss your bad breath condition with us. We are here to listen carefully to you and then closely examine your teeth, gums, and mouth so we can diagnose your condition correctly. A good diagnosis is the first step toward a successful treatment. Your dentist in Omaha has the qualifications to treat halitosis and prevent it from returning.
“I have to confess, I avoid going to the dentist unless I have an emergency, but Today’s Dental was the most comfortable I’ve ever felt in a dentist’s office. I went in for x-rays and ended up getting a quick filling on the spot. Dr. Jones was amazing. He was honest about what I needed, lightning fast, and did a great job of explaining what he was doing and making me comfortable throughout. The dental assistant also went above and beyond. She was friendly, helpful and caring. I also love the space-age earpieces the staff uses to communicate with each other. I will definitely go back to this location and feel much better about coming in!”
“They got me in fast when a couple cavities started acting up. The whole experience was efficient and thoroughly professional. They followed up the next day to make sure there were no complications. A great experience and a great staff!”
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