Monday, September 17, 2012

Not Just Kids' Stuff: The Dental Connection!

Cavities occur as a result of the destruction of tooth structure, called tooth decay. Tooth decay can affect both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin (the inner layer of the tooth).  While it is very important to brush and floss daily to remove food particles and plaque, regular cleanings and check-ups at Thomas Family Dentistry are the best way to help avoid cavities!

Our team can discover cavities during your regular dental check-up.  When a cavity develops, the tooth surface feels soft when checked by a dental instrument called an explorer.  X-rays can also show cavities before they become visible to the eye.  In advanced stages of tooth decay, you might experience a toothache, especially after consuming sweets, hot, or cold foods or drinks. Other signs of tooth decay are visible pits or holes in the teeth.

Don't wait for a toothache!

Remember, the longer that you wait to treat a cavity, the more extensive your treatment will be.  A small cavity can be treated with a filling, while a larger cavity that weakens more of the structure of your tooth, may require a crown.  If the decay is too deep, it can affect the nerve or pulp of the tooth and cause it to die, which could result in the need for a root canal or an extraction.

If you think that you may have a cavity, contact us at 918-455-0123 to schedule an appointment.

God Bless,
DRT

No comments:

Post a Comment