If your teeth are at risk of decay, do not wait! Whilst there isn’t a specific cure for tooth decay, there are treatment options that can limit the spread. Tooth decay occurs when plaque build-up causes an acid attack on your teeth. This can also lead to cavities and gum disease. If your teeth are becoming decayed, you’re likely to experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Throbbing pain in the tooth (Toothache)
- Sensitive pain and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures and foods
- White or black spots appearing on teeth
- Bad breath
- Dental cavities (or holes in teeth)
- Swelling or bleeding gums
You’re likely experiencing tooth decay because you’re not visiting the dentist regularly, you’re consuming sugary and acidic foods, or you’ve suffered from a dental accident or trauma. If you’re consuming these sugary and acidic foods, you should consider avoiding them altogether.
If you haven’t visited the dentist regularly, that is your first mistake. The dentist is best placed to understand the state of your oral health and advise further. It is always recommended that you’re visiting the dentist every six months. A second expert opinion can make all the difference to your oral health.
Emergency treatments could be required depending on the severity of the decay. You probably won’t need this treatment if you’ve visited the dentist and your teeth have not got to the stage where severe damage has occurred.
If your teeth have excelled beyond this and there are signs of tooth decay, one of the following treatment options could be administered:
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are required if the decay has progressed to the stage of cavities forming. Cavities are holes that have formed at the centre of the tooth. Fillings are available in many different materials and colours.
Dental Crowns
Crowns act as a protector of your teeth if the dentist believes you can benefit from a crown instead an emergency treatment that requires extraction or a root canal. The dentist would drill away at the decayed area and, made out of porcelain, the crown is applied to maintain as much health of the tooth as possible.
Root Canals
Root canals are administered where the decay reaches the pulp (the inner layer) of the tooth. This treatment helps to save any remains of a tooth that have been badly damaged of infected.
Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is administered where the tooth is considered severely damaged beyond repair. The tooth would then remove with forceps equipment under local anaesthesia to limit any pain experienced. Whilst this may leave a gap in the teeth, your neighbouring teeth may shift in position to cover the gap, or other cosmetic treatments such as dental implants are available as a natural replacement.
Your mouth is full of bacteria when plaque continues to build. If this is allowed to happen, acid will dissolve the surface of your teeth, causing cavities. Your enamel is at risk too, and the enamel is an essential line of defence to keep your teeth white and maintain jaw strength. If the decay becomes severe and you experience gum disease, you’re open to other dangerous health concerns such as cardiovascular disease.
If you’re suffering from tooth decay, locate your emergency dentist immediately. Contact us now and we’d be happy to help.