I Think I Might Have a Cavity – How Can I Tell?

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If you have a cavity, it’s important to see a dentist in Cleveland Heights, OH, as soon as possible. Cavities can cause a variety of problems, and if they’re not treated by a dentist, they can get worse. The longer you wait to see a dentist, the more likely it is that your cavity will have spread to the delicate pulp inside the tooth, leading to a tooth infection.

If this happens, you may need a root canal procedure. This can all be avoided by seeing a dentist, but first, you need to recognize the signs that you’re having a problem. Here’s what to know about cavities and their symptoms.

What is a cavity?

A cavity is a tiny hole in your tooth enamel. Cavities are caused by a combination of poor dental hygiene habits, poor oral health, and consumption of sugary foods and drinks.

You may be at higher risk of a cavity if you snack frequently, have diabetes, suffer from dry mouth, or have recently undergone chemotherapy. Genetics can also play a role in your risk for cavities. If you’re at high risk for cavities, talk to your dentist about what you can do to avoid cavities.

What are the symptoms of a cavity?

If you have a cavity, you may experience very little discomfort. It’s important to pay attention to the little signs that could be an indication that there’s a problem. Watch for:

  • Pain in your tooth, intermittently or when you’re drinking or eating
  • Sudden sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
  • Bad breath (especially bad breath that continues even after you’ve brushed your teeth)
  • A visible hole in your tooth

What should you do if you think you might have a cavity?

If you think you might have a cavity, seeing the dentist for an examination is important. If you do have a cavity, you’ll need a filling to stop the spread of tooth decay. When you get a filling, your dentist will clean out the hole in your tooth and then fill it with a composite or silver amalgam filling.

For a tooth filling in Cleveland Heights, OH, call your dentist at Easton Dental. We can help!

What is the Process For Tooth Fillings?

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When a tooth has decay, a cavity typically develops. A cavity is simply a hole in the surface of the teeth. Cavities may be shallow or deep, depending upon how long it’s gone untreated. If you don’t get a tooth filling in Cleveland Heights, OH, the decay will keep eroding the tooth, and the cavity will get bigger. Having your tooth filled is a straightforward procedure at your dentist’s office. Here is a breakdown of what to expect.

Making You Comfortable

The first step is to ensure your comfort during the tooth-filling procedure. This entails the application of a numbing agent and a local anesthetic. The numbing agent is a gel applied to the surrounding gum area, and it will feel cool and comfortable as the dentist applies it.

This sets the stage for the next phase of ensuring a pain-free experience, which is the local anesthetic. This is a quick injection to the gums that numbs the tooth so you don’t feel pain.

Removal of Decayed Matter

Next, the dentist will use tools, such as a dental drill, to remove the part of the tooth that’s decayed. Decayed tooth matter contains harmful bacteria, so it must be removed to ensure that it doesn’t further erode the healthy parts of your tooth. During this time, you will have a sensation of work being done on your tooth, but it won’t feel painful.

Disinfection

Before the filling is done, the dentist will apply a disinfection agent to the tooth, including inside the cavity. This further helps to ensure that all harmful bacteria have been removed and works to kill any remaining bad bacteria.

Preparation for Filling

The dentist or dental hygienist will air dry the tooth using a dental tool so that the filling can be applied. You’ll feel a sensation of air blowing inside the mouth.

Filling and Curing

Next, using the tooth filling material that you’ve chosen with your Cleveland Heights, OH dentist, the dentist will fill the cavity. The drying process for the filling may be helped along with a special light or air-drying tool while you relax in the dentist’s chair. As the numbing agents wear off, you’ll remain comfortable because the tooth has been successfully filled, and any nerve endings are no longer exposed.

If you have a dental cavity, contact us to book an appointment for a tooth filling as soon as possible. The process is simple, and there is little to no discomfort involved, so there’s no reason to delay!