DENTAL CAVITY TREATMENT
Serving Maple Ridge and Surrounding Areas
Effective Cavity Treatment in Maple Ridge | Restore Your Smile with Westgate Dental Centre
We understand how concerning it can be for you or a family member to have cavities, and we want you to know that you’re not alone. At Westgate Dental Centre, we’re here to help you improve your oral health and restore your smile with our effective cavity treatments. Our experienced and compassionate dentists prioritize your comfort and well-being throughout treatment.
We use our wealth of experience to diagnose and treat cavities of any size. We also provide personalized aftercare and guidance on how to prevent future cavities. Our team is dedicated to providing the best quality treatment possible and ensuring you leave our clinic with a pain-free smile.
Don’t let cavities affect your oral health and quality of life any longer. Let Westgate Dental Centre be the solution to your dental concerns. Schedule an appointment today and experience our comprehensive services for yourself
What Are Cavities?
Tooth decay is the underlying cause of cavities. Tooth decay happens when bacteria in your mouth produce an acid that eats away at the enamel layer that protects your teeth. Bacteria enter the mouth and produce acids when you consume food or drink. These acids erode the enamel on your teeth by removing the important minerals it contains, which leads to tooth decay. Plaque is the term used to describe what happens when this bacteria accumulates on your teeth over time. Plaque may ultimately cause damage to the layer that lies behind the enamel, which is called dentin. This can eventually result in the nerve of your tooth being decayed and infected.
The Top Benefits of Cavity Treatments
Improved Oral Health
Cavity therapy helps to restore the tooth’s strength and structure by removing the rotten portion of the tooth. This process is called resection. Because of this, the likelihood of additional decay is reduced, and overall dental health is enhanced.
Reduced Risk of Cavities and Tooth Decay
Visiting the dentist regularly for checks and treating cavities as soon as they appear may help prevent tooth decay from progressing further and reduce the likelihood that you will develop holes in the future.
Teeth Appearance Improvement
You may get a more radiant and assured smile by restoring the natural look of the tooth, which you can do with a filling or a crown. In addition, treating cavities may assist in preventing yellowing and staining of the teeth.
Causes of Teeth Cavities
Technically speaking, tooth decay may be brought on by eating or drinking anything that promotes the growth of germs in the mouth. Some foods, namely those rich in acidity and sugar, are more likely to cause tooth decay than others. Among these meals and beverages are those that are often consumed. Sweets that are difficult to chew, sticky candies, and anything else that may cling to your teeth are primarily responsible for forming dental cavities.
How to Avoid Cavities
Here are the tips for avoiding cavities:
Brush your teeth at least twice a day
Brushing your teeth properly with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes each time is crucial in removing plaque and preventing cavities. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the fronts, backs, chewing surfaces, as well as your tongue and gums.
Floss daily
Flossing is essential for removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gumline, where your toothbrush cannot reach. Make sure to floss daily using the proper technique to prevent cavities between teeth.
Maintain a healthy diet
Limit your intake of sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods, as they can contribute to plaque formation and increase the risk of cavities. Instead, choose a diet rich in calcium, vitamins, and minerals, such as dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, to support strong teeth and oral health.
Use fluoride products
Fluoride is a natural mineral that can strengthen your teeth and make them more resistant to decay. Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash, and consider receiving fluoride treatments from your dentist to help prevent cavities.
Visit the dentist regularly
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential for the early detection and treatment of any dental issues, including cavities. Your dentist can also provide personalized recommendations and preventive treatments to keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free.
Visiting a trusted dental clinic, such as Westgate Dental Centre, for regular check-ups can help prevent cavities.
Avoid risky habits
Certain habits can increase your risk of cavities. Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, nail biting, and chewing on ice or hard objects, as they can damage your teeth and contribute to tooth decay.
Practice good oral hygiene habits
Besides brushing and flossing, incorporate other good oral hygiene habits into your routine, such as using mouthwash, cleaning your tongue, and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. These habits can help keep your mouth clean and fresh, preventing plaque and cavities buildup.
By following these tips and maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine, visiting the dentist regularly, and avoiding risky habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of cavities and maintain good oral health for a lifetime. Regular check-ups at a reputable dental clinic like Westgate Dental Centre can provide professional guidance and preventive treatments to help you achieve optimal oral health.
Types of Cavity Treatment Available
Fillings
Fillings are used to treat small to moderate-sized cavities. The decayed material is removed from the tooth, and the cavity is filled with a material such as composite resin, silver amalgam, or glass ionomer. The choice of filling material depends on various factors, such as the size and location of the cavity, aesthetic considerations, and patient preferences.
Composite resin fillings are tooth-coloured and blend in with the natural tooth colour, making them a popular choice for visible teeth. Silver amalgam fillings are durable and long lasting, making them suitable for back teeth that undergo heavy chewing. Glass ionomer fillings release fluoride, which can help prevent further decay. Fillings are a relatively simple and cost-effective treatment option for cavities, and the procedure can usually be completed in one visit to the dentist.
Crowns
Crowns are recommended for more extensive cavities or when a large portion of the tooth has been lost due to decay. A crown is a cap that covers the entire tooth, providing protection and support. The decayed material is removed, and the tooth is reshaped to make room for the crown. The crown is then custom-made from materials such as porcelain, metal, or a combination of both to match the colour and shape of the surrounding teeth.
Crowns are durable and can restore a severely decayed tooth’s strength, function, and appearance. The crown is cemented onto the tooth, which can last many years with proper care.
Root Canals
Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the decay has reached the pulp, the inner part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. The pulp may become infected, leading to severe pain and discomfort. During a root canal procedure, the infected pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed to prevent further infection.
A crown is often placed on top of the tooth after a root canal to provide additional protection and support. Root canals can save a severely decayed tooth from extraction and allow it to function normally for many years with proper care. Root canals are usually performed by an endodontist specializing in treating the pulp of teeth.
Bonding
Bonding is a cosmetic procedure used to repair and reshape a decayed or damaged tooth. A tooth-coloured material, usually composite resin, is applied to the affected tooth and shaped to match the natural contours of the tooth. The material is then hardened with a special light and polished to blend in with the surrounding teeth.
Bonding can be used to fill small cavities, repair chipped or cracked teeth, close gaps between teeth, and improve the overall appearance of a tooth. Bonding is a relatively quick and affordable treatment option, and it can usually be completed in one visit to the dentist.
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite material that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of the teeth. They are used to improve the appearance of teeth with minor cosmetic issues such as gaps, discoloration, or misalignment. Veneers are typically used on the front teeth that are visible when you smile, and they can create a natural-looking, aesthetically pleasing result.
The procedure involves removing a small amount of enamel from the front surface of the teeth, taking impressions, and then bonding the veneers onto the teeth with a special adhesive. Veneers are durable and resistant to staining, and they can last for many years with proper care.
Request an Appointment at Westgate Dental Centre
If you develop cavities, your dentist will probably want to repair them with either dental sealants or fillings, depending on the tooth cavity’s severity. You should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Cavities, which are holes that develop in teeth, may wreak havoc in your mouth.
Have a conversation with the dental staff at the Westgate Dental Centre right now to get more information on how to avoid getting cavities and to schedule your next visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
If tooth enamel is gone, it can lead to several serious dental issues. Tooth enamel is the tooth’s hard outer covering that protects the delicate interior layers from injury. Without it, the teeth are more susceptible to decay, sensitivity, and structural damage.
Tooth extractions are dental operations in which a tooth is extracted from its socket in the jawbone. It may be necessary for various reasons, including extensive decay, gum disease, overcrowding, or trauma.
How does tooth extraction work?
Tooth extraction involves a dentist or oral surgeon removing an infected tooth from its socket in the jawbone. The procedure typically follows these steps:
- Anesthesia
- Loosening the tooth
- Removing the tooth
- Controlling the bleeding
- Aftercare
Cavities, gum disease, tooth fracture, abscess, sinusitis, tooth grinding, TMJ, or dental procedures can cause tooth pain. Consult a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Yes, cavities can cause sensitive teeth. A cavity is a hole in the tooth caused by decay, which can damage the enamel and dentin layers of the tooth. If the decay reaches the dentin, it can expose the nerves in the teeth, leading to sensitivity. This sensitivity can cause discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and drinks. If left untreated, cavities can cause further damage to the tooth and increase the risk of infection.
Yes, receding gums can cause cavities. When the gums recede, the tooth roots become exposed, which are more vulnerable to decay than the enamel on the tooth crown. This exposure can lead to decay in the tooth’s root surface, which can cause cavities. Receding gums can be caused by various factors, such as gum disease, brushing too hard, or aging. Maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting a dentist regularly can help prevent gum recession and cavities.
Yes, a tooth abscess can be caused by a cavity. An untreated cavity can progress deeper into the tooth, eventually reaching the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If the pulp becomes infected, it can lead to a painful abscess, a collection of pus in the surrounding tissue. Symptoms of a tooth abscess include severe pain, swelling, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth. Treatment for a tooth abscess may involve antibiotics, a root canal procedure, or in severe cases, tooth extraction.
Fissure decay is a type of decay that occurs in the grooves and pits of the teeth, often in the back molars. These areas can be difficult to clean with brushing and flossing alone, making them more susceptible to decay. Fissure decay can progress quickly, leading to cavities and other dental problems if left untreated. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help identify and treat fissure decay before it progresses.
Fissure decay can be treated with dental fillings. The dentist will clean out the decayed area and fill it with a dental filling material to restore the tooth’s structure and prevent further damage. In some cases, a sealant may be applied to the tooth’s surface to prevent fissure decay from occurring in the first place. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly to prevent and treat fissure decay.
The treatment for cavities depends on the severity of the decay. Dental fillings may be used for early-stage cavities to restore the tooth’s structure and prevent further damage. If the decay has reached the pulp, a root canal procedure may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth. In severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved, tooth extraction may be necessary. Your dentist will recommend the best course of action based on the extent of the decay and your needs.
