How to Fix a Cavity in a Tooth: Comprehensive Guide

What is a Cavity?

A cavity is a hole or area of tooth decay that forms on the surface of your teeth. It occurs when acids produced by bacteria in your mouth wear down the hard outer layer of your teeth, called enamel. Anyone can get a cavity, but proper oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings can prevent them. Different types of cavities can develop on various tooth surfaces, such as the smooth, pit, or root areas.

Symptoms and Causes of Cavities

Initially, tooth decay on the outer enamel surface may not cause any pain or symptoms. However, as the decay progresses beyond the enamel and reaches the dentin and pulp, you might start experiencing symptoms like bad breath, bleeding gums, facial swelling, toothache, or sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks. Cavities are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria feeding on sugary and starchy foods, the formation of dental plaque, and certain risk factors like dry mouth, consuming sugary snacks frequently, a family history of tooth decay, gum recession, or previous radiation therapy to the head and neck.

Diagnosis and Tests for Cavities

Regular dental checkups twice a year are the best way to detect cavities early. During these visits, dentists use various instruments to examine your teeth. If a tooth has a cavity, it will feel softer when probed. Dental X-rays may also be taken to reveal cavities that are not yet visible to the naked eye.

Management and Treatment Options

The treatment for tooth decay depends on the severity of the cavity. Options include fluoride treatments to repair damaged enamel in the early stages, dental fillings to fill the holes after removing the decayed tissue, root canal therapy to relieve pain from advanced decay, and tooth extraction if other treatments are not feasible. Fillings can be made of composite resin, silver amalgam, or gold. Root canal therapy is performed by endodontists and involves removing the tooth pulp and filling the canals. In some cases, a dental crown might be needed to strengthen the affected tooth.

Prevention of Cavities

Preventing cavities involves maintaining good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, preferably after every meal. Cut back on sugary and starchy foods and drinks, floss daily to remove food and plaque trapped between your teeth, and have dental checkups at least twice a year. Dental sealants can also be applied to protect the top chewing surfaces of your teeth.

Outlook and Prognosis

If tooth decay goes untreated for too long, it can lead to significant tooth damage and the need for extraction. Advanced decay can cause a severe infection, such as a tooth abscess, which can spread throughout the body and, in rare cases, be fatal. However, most people with cavities do not experience long-term problems if they receive regular dental care and early treatment.

Living with Cavities and Dentist Visits

If you experience bleeding gums, difficulty chewing, signs of infection, a swollen face, or toothache, you should schedule an appointment with a dentist. It's important to ask your dentist questions such as why you got a cavity, the best treatment option, how to lower the risk of getting more cavities, what signs of complications to look out for, and what oral health products they recommend.

Additional Common Questions and Answers

It can be difficult to tell if you have a cavity in the early stages, but you might notice small, white, chalky areas or brown/black spots as it worsens. Cavities and stains can cause tooth discoloration, but cavities tend to be darker and affect only one tooth. The feeling of a cavity depends on the severity of the decay. In the early stages, you may not feel it, but as it progresses to the inner layers of the tooth, you might experience pain or sensitivity. Small cavities can grow larger over time if left untreated, and in the very early stages, they might be reversible with fluoride treatments and improved oral hygiene. If a cavity hurts, it means the decay has spread and needs to be treated by a dentist.