Tooth Decay & Dental Fillings
Tooth decay, also known as caries, is an oral disease that can affect many people.
There are natural bacteria living in your mouth that can form plaque. The plaque then interacts with food deposits left on your teeth from sugary and starchy meals. This interaction will create acids and these acids will erode the tooth enamel and start a cavity.
These acids will damage tooth enamel over time by dissolving, or de-mineralizing it. Over time the caries will then spread into the dentin and then the nerve or pulp.
The procedure of cleaning the cavity and repairing your tooth is relatively simple. Dr. Cruse will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic, clean the cavity with a drill or laser, removing the decayed areas. Then a thorough check that all the affected area has been cleaned, will follow. Finally a filling material will be placed into the prepared site to restore the tooth back to it’s original shape.
Here you may choose from gold, composite resin, porcelain or amalgam.
How to prevent cavities
Foods containing carbohydrates (starches and sugars), such as sodas, candy-sweets, ice cream, cakes, and even some fruits, vegetables, and juices, may contribute to tooth decay. Which in turn then will be treated with Dental Fillings.
Acids formed by plaque can be countered by the saliva in your mouth, which acts as a buffer and re-mineralizing agent. Dentists often recommend chewing sugarless gum to stimulate saliva flow. However, the best way to prevent cavities is to brush and floss regularly. So, do avoid having to get Dental Fillings by having your teeth cleaned regularly and observe dental hygiene.
Fluoride, a natural substance that helps to re-mineralize the tooth structure, makes the teeth more resistant to the acids and helps to correct damage produced by the plaque bacteria. Fluoride is added to toothpaste and water sources to help fight cavities. Dr. Cruse may recommend that you use special high concentration fluoride gels, mouth rinses, or dietary fluoride supplements. In addition, professional strength anti-cavity varnish or sealants may be recommended and placed on your teeth.
Who is at risk for cavities?
No one is safe, because we all carry bacteria in our mouths, everyone is at risk for cavities. Those with a diet high in carbohydrates and sugary foods and those who live in communities without fluoridated water are likely candidates for cavities. Also, those already having lot of fillings have a higher chance of developing tooth decay because the area around the restored portion of a tooth is a good breeding ground for bacteria.
In general, children and senior citizens are the two groups at the highest risk for cavities.
Now having said all this, if you suspect to having tooth decay, come see us, we will clean your teeth and place Dental fillings in the affected areas.
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William J. Cruse DDS Family Dentistry Treats Routine Cleanings to
Advanced Dental Care.