The risk of getting dental decay is not something that should be taken lightly. Cavities can appear unexpectedly, create a severe toothache, and essentially put your life on halt until they are treated. What is tooth decay, and what causes it? The food particles that remain in your mouth after you eat turn into plaque. Acid is produced when the bacteria in plaque break down the sugars and carbohydrates that are present in your mouth. This acid is powerful enough to soften and destroy the enamel, which is the outer coating of a tooth. This condition is known as dental decay, or a cavity. Stages, Symptoms, and Treatments of Tooth Decay
Because tooth decay has numerous stages, there are a variety of symptoms that you may see, feel, or even taste at times. The treatment you will require for your cavity will be determined by how serious the decay is and where it is located. Stage 1: The enamel is decaying. A cavity has not yet passed through the enamel, which is the outer coating of the tooth, during its early stages. During this period, symptoms are not very severe. In fact, you might not notice any of them at all. Sometimes, you may notice that your tooth has darkened, or you may feel a little sensitivity. Our Summerlin dentist will remove the area that has enamel decay and fill the empty space with a tooth-colored filling material in order to repair the decay. Fillings are a quick and inexpensive option that can last for many years. Stage 2: Dentin After the decay has passed through the enamel surface, it will reach the dentin layer. The dentin layer is fragile and is particularly susceptible to decay. This means that if the cavity reaches the dentin, it can spread quickly. During this stage, you will notice that your tooth sensitivity is more pronounced. You might feel uncomfortable when you eat sweets, clean your teeth, or are in chilly conditions. If the decay has impacted much of your tooth, our dentist in Summerlin may suggest that you get a crown instead of a filling. A crown is a hard cap that goes over your tooth and protects it from further harm. Because this treatment is more complex, it does take longer to finish. Additionally, it is more expensive than simply a basic filling. However, if crowns are manufactured and maintained correctly, they can last for many years, making your investment worthwhile. Stage 3: Pulp Chamber The decay will enter the pulp chamber once it has passed through the dentin layer. This is the section of the tooth that has blood arteries, nerves, and connective tissue. Your tooth will become infected after the cavity has reached the pulp. You will go through a lot of discomfort during this time. You may also start to feel uncomfortable due to heat, in addition to chilly weather. You may also experience persistent discomfort that necessitates the use of pain medication to alleviate it. We will take an x-ray of your tooth to make sure that the cavity has reached the pulp chamber. Root canal therapy will be necessary to fix and protect your tooth. This surgery consists of taking out the nerve tissue, cleaning the canals, and closing them off in order to stop bacteria from coming back in. You will probably need to be fitted for a crown in addition to receiving therapy on the nerves of your tooth. This will help to prevent additional harm to the tooth that is already at risk. Stage 4: Abscess The roots of your teeth are the parts that you cannot see when you look inside your mouth. They are located in the jaw. Nerve channels that go down each root extend beyond the pulp chamber. If your cavity has reached the nerves in the root of your tooth, you may have a terrible pain and swelling in your face. If you have an abscess, you will see a little bump on your gums, which is called a fistula. A dental abscess is a major medical issue. You might not find any relief from over-the-counter pain drugs. The toothache could prevent you from sleeping at night or cause you to wake up often. The gum tissue surrounding the tooth that is impacted may swell, and this swelling could migrate to your face. You might possibly develop a fever. If a cavity has caused a serious infection, it may not be possible to salvage the tooth with a root canal. It may be essential to do an extraction. We will be able to determine the state of your tooth and if it can be saved by using a dental x-ray. If it turns out that we need to take it out, a dental implant or a bridge could be a good option for you to replace it. Preventing Cavities Maintaining excellent dental hygiene is the most effective approach to avoid cavities. Make sure to have frequent cleanings and check-ups with your dentist in Las Vegas so that any problems can be addressed as soon as they arise. If you haven't gone to the dentist in a while or think you might have a cavity, you should make an appointment with Dr. Cohan at Summerlin Dental Solutions. Make an appointment by calling or book online today. GET TO KNOW YOUR BEST DENTIST IN SUMMERLIN
Dr. Marianne Cohan was voted 15- time Best of Las Vegas from The Las Vegas Review-Journal. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1992.
With an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, complete makeovers, and implant dentistry, Dr. Cohan is committed to continuing education and feels that we never stop learning. Dr. Cohan takes pride in using high-powered magnification to perform minimally invasive restorative dentistry. She uses all the latest technological advances including digital radiography, digital photography, computer simulations, and high-resolution pictures of your proposed treatment on 55-inch screens. She also utilizes CBCT (cone beam) and laser technology.
