Cosmetic & General Dentistry located in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY
Cavities are a common dental problem in the United States, with more than 90% of adults experiencing at least one cavity in their lifetime. At DNTL, Dmitriy Kuznetsov, DDS, and Semyon Tilis, DDS, provide exceptional dental care to the residents of Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn, New York. If you have any symptoms of a cavity, Drs. Kuznetsov and Tilis can fill the cavity before it leads to more serious oral health complications. Call the friendly office team to schedule an appointment or book online today.
- 347-487-4888
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Cavities Q & A
What are cavities?
Cavities are permanent holes in the surface of your teeth. They are the result of damage from plaque and bacteria that develop into tiny holes in your tooth’s enamel. While cavities are among the most common dental problems in the world, they are highly preventable with good oral hygiene habits, at-home care, and regular dental checkups.
Cavities are most common among children, teens, and older adults, but you can get a cavity at any age. Left untreated, cavities can lead to severe toothache and tooth loss.
What causes cavities?
Cavities are the result of tooth decay that occurs over time. When you don’t brush or floss adequately or thoroughly enough to keep your teeth clean, plaque coats your teeth.
Plaque is a clear, sticky film that attracts bacteria. Bacteria feed on sugars and starches that remain on your teeth if you don’t clean them well.
After a while, plaque hardens and becomes tartar. As bacteria, plaque, and tartar remain on your teeth, acids in the plaque begin to destroy your enamel. If tooth decay continues, a hole forms in your tooth.
What are the symptoms of a cavity?
At the first signs of a cavity, you may not experience any unpleasant symptoms. However, as the cavity gets larger, you may notice any of the following:
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Mild or sharp pain when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages
- Pain in your teeth when you chew
- A brown, black, or white stain on the surface of your tooth
- Spontaneous tooth pain
The best way to detect a cavity is through professional dental cleanings. Your dentist can see a cavity forming at its earliest stages and provide treatment before it becomes larger and causes pain.
How does a dentist treat cavities?
Typically, your dentist treats your cavities by filling them with a strong material made of resin, composites, porcelain, or metals, such as gold or silver. Fillings prevent cavities from growing larger. Before placing the filling material, your DNTL dentist removes all the decayed material from your tooth to keep it healthy.
If your cavity is very deep, you may need a root canal to remove the inner portion of your tooth — the pulp and nerves — before you receive a filling.
If you haven’t succeeded in preventing a cavity, it’s best to take care of one at the first signs so you can avoid a root canal or other procedures. Schedule a dental cleaning with DNTL today by phone or online.
