Are you experiencing toothaches, tooth sensitivity, dark spots or holes in your teeth? You might have tooth decay.
Tooth decay, or cavities, is a common dental problem that affects people of all ages and is a common issue.
But can dentists actually fix tooth decay? Yes, however, it depends on the stage of the decay. While tooth decay itself can’t be entirely reversed, the damage it causes can be effectively treated and repaired by skilled dental professionals like those at Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee.
What is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay begins when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that attack the enamel, known as the hard outer layer of your teeth. Over time, this acid wears away at the enamel, creating a cavity. If left untreated, the decay can spread deeper into the tooth, reaching the dentin and eventually the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels).
What Causes Tooth Decay?
There are several factors that contribute to tooth decay, including:
- Diet: Consuming sugary and starchy foods and drinks can feed the bacteria that cause cavities.
- Lack of Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque and bacteria to build up.
- Dehydration or Dry Mouth: Your saliva helps repair your enamel. Reduced saliva flow can make it harder to wash away harmful bacteria, contributing to tooth decay.
- Genetics: Some people are more susceptible to tooth decay due to genetic factors.
Treating Tooth Decay at Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee
At Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee, we offer comprehensive dental care to address tooth decay at various stages.
Early-Stage Decay
In the early stages of tooth decay, we may recommend:
- Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and can even reverse early signs of decay. Our dental team can apply professional fluoride treatments to your teeth during your regular checkups.
- Dietary and Oral Hygiene Guidance: We’ll provide personalized recommendations to help you mineralize your teeth and prevent further decay.
Cavities
If tooth decay has progressed to a cavity, we’ll create a customized treatment plan based on the severity of the damage to your tooth. Cavity treatment can look like:
- Fillings: For small to medium-sized cavities, we offer a variety of filling materials, including tooth-colored composite fillings and durable amalgam fillings.
- Crowns: Depending on the level of tooth damage, we may recommend a dental crown to restore the tooth’s shape, function, and appearance. Sometimes, a crown can fix the issues without a root canal. As a bonus, with our in-house technology, we can often create and place a crown in a single visit.
- Root Canals: If decay reaches the tooth’s pulp, a root canal is necessary to remove the infected tissue and prevent further damage. Don’t worry, our dentists excel in performing comfortable and effective root canal treatments.
- Tooth Extraction: If the decay is too deep, such as in-between the roots of your tooth or past the bone level, the tooth unfortunately cannot be saved. At this level, the tooth would be extracted.
How Do I Prevent Tooth Decay?
According to the National Health Institute, here are some tips to prevent tooth decay:
- Use fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse to replenish the minerals in your mouth.
- Brush twice a day with your fluoride toothpaste and regularly clean between your teeth. You can use floss or other cleaners for in-between your teeth.
- Limit sugary and starchy foods and drinks.
- Don’t use tobacco products; tobacco erodes your enamel.
At Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee, we emphasize the importance of regular dental checkups and cleanings to detect and treat problems early on. Our team will provide personalized oral hygiene instructions and dietary recommendations to help you prevent future cavities.
Treat Your Tooth Decay with Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee
While tooth decay can be a common dental issue, the good news is that it is treatable. Schedule those regular dental checkups and seek prompt treatment when necessary to maintain a healthy smile.
The dentists at Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee are committed to providing comprehensive dental care to help you and your family achieve and maintain optimal oral health. From growing grins to senior smiles, we have you covered.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
