DENTAL CAVITY TREATMENT
Maple Ridge

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.

Yes, children and teenagers are more prone to cavities for several reasons:

• Inadequate Brushing and Flossing
• High Sugar Diets
• Irregular Dental Check-ups
• Inadequate Fluoride
• Tooth Anatomy
• Bottle Feeding at Bedtime
• Inadequate Saliva Flow

Cavities can exhibit various symptoms, including toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, visible holes or pits in the teeth, pain when biting or chewing, and bad breath.

Cavities themselves don’t directly spread from one tooth to another. Here’s how it works:

1. Bacterial Growth: Cavities are mainly caused by Streptococcus mutans in the mouth, which feed on residual sugars and starches on teeth.
2. Acid Production: After consuming these sugars and starches, bacteria produce acids as waste products.
3. Enamel Demineralization: The acids produced by the bacteria demineralize the tooth enamel, initiating cavities.
4. Transmission of Bacteria: Bacteria can easily be transferred through:

• Sharing utensils, food, or drinks.
• Kissing or close contact.
• A caregiver tasting a child’s food and then feeding the same food to the child.

5. New Locations for Bacterial Growth: If transferred bacteria find a favourable spot on another tooth, such as trapped food or plaque, they can initiate decay, possibly causing a new cavity.
6. Adjacent Teeth: When a tooth with a significant cavity is in close contact with a neighbouring tooth, the adjacent tooth becomes more susceptible to decay due to the shared bacteria and proximity.

To prevent the spread of cavity-causing bacteria and further tooth decay:

• Maintain good oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing.
• Limit sugary and starchy foods and beverages.
• Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
• Be cautious about sharing food, drinks, or utensils with young children.

While maintaining good oral hygiene and a balanced diet is the most effective way to prevent cavities, some natural remedies may complement your oral care routine. These include oil pulling with coconut oil, xylitol gum or mints, and herbal toothpaste. 

Crowns or Caps

• Used for extensive decay or weakened teeth. Covers and protects the remaining tooth structure.

Root Canal Therapy

• Needed when decay reaches the tooth’s pulp. Infected pulp is removed, and the space is sealed.

Dental Implants

• Used if a tooth is severely decayed and needs extraction. Replaces the entire tooth, including its root.

Fluoride Treatments

• Can reverse early decay in some cases.

Tooth Extractions

• Removes the decayed tooth entirely. Could require replacement with an implant or bridge.

A dental filling can last anywhere from a few years to over a decade. However, other treatments like crowns can last significantly longer. Tooth pain, receding gums, and fissure decay are common issues that could necessitate further treatment if they develop or persist.

During a cavity treatment, dental instruments are used to remove decayed tissue, and the cavity is then filled or covered to prevent further decay. To enhance the longevity of the treatment, a fluoride treatment could be utilized to strengthen the enamel and deter further decay. Root decay is a more severe condition that can require more extensive treatment and more frequent follow-up appointments.

Regular check-ups with your dentist in Maple Ridge are necessary to monitor the treated areas and to identify any potential new cavities or other dental issues early on. 

Maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home, including brushing, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash, to prolong the effectiveness of the treatments received.