Cavities are among the most common dental health issues and are familiar to almost every person. But can a small cavity heal on its own, or are dental fillings always necessary? In this article, we address this question and discuss cavity treatment.
Can a Small Cavity Heal on Its Own?
Even if a cavity is very small, it can not heal on its own. A cavity occurs when bacteria and acid destroy a part of a tooth’s enamel, essentially creating a small hole in the tooth. Unfortunately, such enamel damage can not regenerate on its own. Instead, if the cavity is left untreated, the damaged area will enlarge, eventually reaching the inner chamber of the tooth and turning into a more serious tooth infection.
Thus, it is essential to address cavities as soon as you notice them. In fact, dental fillings for small cavities are typically cheaper and faster to place than extensive decay. Also, this way you will be able to preserve more of the healthy tooth structure, keeping it intact for longer.
Cavities that turn into an infection of the inner pulp of the tooth may require root canal therapy. During this procedure, your dentist cleans out the infected pulp and fills the canals with a special material. Often, the tooth is significantly weakened by such extensive infection and the removal of its inner pulp, and will require a dental crown. Root canal therapy and dental crowns are significantly more expensive than dental fillings. Also, crowns require frequent replacement, typically every 7 to 12 years.
What Does a Cavity Look Like
Sometimes what appears to be a cavity can be a very early sign of enamel demineralization, called incipient caries. At this stage, even though the enamel is damaged, a hole has not yet formed. Incipient caries can look like white or chalky spots. This type of enamel demineralization can be reversed if you address it early.
Typically, treatment of incipient caries includes improved oral hygiene, daily use of fluoride toothpaste, frequent dental cleanings, and professional fluoride treatments. It is also advisable to reduce intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and to rinse your mouth after every meal. Thus, even incipient caries, although reversible, can not heal completely on its own.
A cavity typically has the following symptoms:
- White, brown, or black stains on the tooth surface
- Visible hole in the tooth’s enamel
- Pain or discomfort when eating or a lingering toothache
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages
As you can see, proper cavities can sometimes appear as white spots similar to incipient caries. That is why it is essential to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you notice any changes in your teeth’s appearance. Only a professional can accurately diagnose what type of issue you have and plan treatment accordingly.
How Are Cavities Treated?
Cavities are treated with dental fillings. During this procedure, your dentist uses a drill or a laser to remove the decayed tissue, then fills the hole with a special material called resin composite. Then, this material is shaped so the tooth and bite feel comfortable and natural. The last step is to harden the resin composite with special light.
The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes and is performed with a local anesthetic that completely blocks pain. Modern dental fillings are fairly durable and can last up to 7 years with proper care.
Treat Cavities at Santa Ana Magic Smile
If you notice signs of cavities, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at Santa Ana Magic Smile today. Remember that delaying cavity treatment can lead to a tooth infection, which may later require more complex and costly procedures. We look forward to helping you restore and maintain your oral health.
