Cavities are the most common dental health complication. This is because very few people practice good dental health. If you are having toothache and suspect that you have developed cavities, you should make an appointment with a competent Dentist Rockland County NY. Here are a few tips on how these dentists deal with cavities.
How do cavities form?
Cavities are caused by a combination of factors. These include eating foods that are rich is sugar and starch and extremely poor dental health practices. When you eat sugary foods and fail to brush the teeth, plaque will coat the teeth. This is acted on by the bacteria in the mouth resulting in acid. Normally, if you brush your teeth regularly, the acid will be neutralized by the base in the toothpaste. However, if the toothpaste is not used, the acid will corrode the surface of the tooth and wear it off. This is what causes cavities. This wearing out of enamel can reach the level of the dentin and the pulp cavity, and at times, it can affect the gums and the root of the tooth.
Treating cavities
The way a Dentist Rockland County NY will handle the problem of cavities will depend on the extent of the cavities.
- If the cavities have only affected the enamel and the dentin, the dentists will only use fillings to try and protect the tooth from further damage.
- If the cavities have reached the pulp cavity, the dentist will need to remove the infected tissue in the cavity. The process of removing all the infected tissue in the pulp cavity is called a root canal procedure. After the tissue has been removed, the empty space will be cleaned off and sterilized to kill bacteria and discourage further infection. The tooth is then sealed off. A dental crown will be added to protect the tooth from any further damage.
- If the decay has affected the root of the tooth, the dentist may have no option but to extract the tooth. The process of extraction will be carried out at the dentist’s office. The procedure can be followed up with dental implants.
If you suspect that you have cavities, you should contact a Dentist Rockland County NY. Bear in mind that the earlier you deal with cavities, the more the chances of saving the tooth. For more information, go to website url.
