When To See a Family Dentist for Cavity Treatment

Tooth decay can cause a variety of symptoms. Whether you have been dealing with a toothache or have noticed a pit in your tooth, a family dentist can help. They will work to restore the tooth with cavity treatment.

When to see a dentist about a cavity

It is recommended that patients see a dentist as soon as they notice the signs and symptoms of tooth decay (cavities). According to the Mayo Clinic, patients often discover potential cavities through the following symptoms:

• Toothaches
• Tooth sensitivity, such as too hot and too cold drinks
• Pain when chewing or biting
• Brown or black tooth discoloration
• Pits in the tooth’s surface

Note that in the earliest stages, cavities do not cause pain. However, the patient may notice other signs, such as the aforementioned hole in the tooth's chewing surface. Again, do not wait to consult a dentist. The sooner they can address a cavity, the less pain it will cause, as it will not be able to progress into those later stages marked by tooth sensitivity and aches. This adds the benefit of saving the patient money through a less invasive treatment.

Cavity treatments from a family dentist

There is more than one type of cavity treatment. Which one a dentist recommends will depend on how severe the cavity is, including whether the decay has reached the tooth's root and is accompanied by infection. Here is a look at cavity treatments from least to most intensive:

Dental fillings

A family dentist can restore minorly decayed teeth with dental fillings. The dentist will clean out the cavity and sanitize it before filling it. The patient may choose the type of filling they would like: Tooth-colored porcelain or composite resin fillings are common. For a sturdier restoration, the dentist may recommend silver amalgam.

Dental crowns

Dental crowns snuggly fit over badly damaged teeth. A family dentist will remove the decay before placing the crown. Tooth-colored crowns are the most popular option, but patients may choose a metal crown if they prefer a more cost-effective, durable option.

Root canal therapy

Severe tooth decay that has reached the tooth's pulp chamber or root must receive treatment with a root canal. In this procedure, the family dentist removes the infection and seals the tooth. Afterward, they may place a custom dental crown over the tooth to restore functionality.

Tooth extraction

When a decayed tooth is beyond saving, the patient will undergo an extraction, simple or surgical. The former means it is possible to pull the tooth using forceps, while the latter means an incision is necessary. The family dentist will then provide options to replace the tooth.

Preventing future tooth decay

The easiest way to treat a cavity is to prevent it from developing in the first place. A family dentist may provide fluoride treatments or dental sealants to prevent the formation of future cavities. They can also provide tips on proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as determine whether the patient would benefit from more frequent dental cleanings.