If you think something feels wrong with your tooth, you should take that concern seriously. A persistent toothache, or a sudden discomfort when exposed to hot or cold temperatures, can be a sign that you have a cavity that requires care. With that said, there are times when a person can have a cavity without realizing it. At our Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office, we can perform a study of your smile to determine if you have any troubles that require restorative dental treatment during your routine dental exam. These visits are important, even when you feel fine. If your appointment leads to the discovery of a cavity that is not causing you discomfort, it can be treated with a dental filling before it ever has the opportunity to grow serious.
A Cavity Will Continue Damaging Your Tooth Until It Is Treated
While you can certainly take care of your smile in order to prevent cavities, it will take expert dental care to deal with decay once a cavity has formed. If you let the problem go without treatment, it can reach the stage where your tooth becomes infected and painful. This is concerning for more than just the discomfort it can cause – eventually, bacteria that attack the inner chamber of your tooth can spread through the roots and create more problems.
Scheduling Treatment For Your Cavity
If your tooth is already painful or sensitive, it may be time for your dentist to perform a root canal procedure. A root canal removes infected tissues from the inner chamber of your tooth in order to stop further harm from occurring. After decay and bacteria are completely removed, your pulp can be sealed before you receive a dental crown. The crown, once placed, can keep the tooth safe from further harm while also giving it support for better biting and chewing.
If your dentist spots a cavity during an exam, it can be small enough to be treated with a dental filling. A dental filling will only take up the space where a cavity had to be removed. The composite resin material that we use for our fillings can bond with your tooth structure to provide long-term protection. Its color can even match the look of your natural enamel, making it possible for your restoration to blend in and escape notice.
Consistent Dental Care Can Help You Avoid Future Cavities
How can you make sure you stay free of cavities in the future? Regular dental exams will be important, but make sure you do your part to keep your teeth clean on a daily basis. Brushing and flossing effectively help you remove harmful bacteria, while a smart diet can limit how much sugar those bacteria are able to feed on during a typical day.
Talk To Dr. Browne About Undergoing Treatment For Your Cavity
At our Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office, Dr. Browne is ready to identify and treat a cavity that affects your tooth. Our office is also ready to protect you against future cavities by providing consistent preventive care. To learn more, or to set up a visit with Dr. Browne, contact our office today at (913) 901-8585.
