When should a tooth be treated ?
Cavities are caused by acids produced by the bacteria in dental plaque, which gradually destroy the enamel and then the deeper tissues of the tooth. They are not always painful at first, which is why regular check-ups matter.
See us if you notice :
- sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods ;
- a stain, a dark spot or a small hole in a tooth ;
- food that always gets trapped in the same place ;
- a chipped or cracked tooth, or an older filling that has deteriorated ;
- pain, even if it comes and goes.
Once a cavity has formed, it won't heal on its own: the earlier it is treated, the more healthy tissue can be saved.
Our approach: preserving the tooth
We remove only the affected part, then rebuild the tooth. The more of the original tooth is kept, the better it holds up over time.
What a treatment involves :
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Examination of the tooth (and an X-ray if needed).
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Local anaesthetic if necessary.
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Removal of the affected tissue, preserving the healthy tissue.
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Restoration of the tooth using the most suitable material.
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Checking the shape and bite, so the tooth fits comfortably with the others.
Which material? It depends on the extent of the damage, the position of the tooth and how it is used when chewing.
After treatment
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Slight sensitivity is possible in the following days. If it persists or gets worse, contact the practice.
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If you have had an anaesthetic, avoid eating until the feeling has returned, so you don't bite your cheek, tongue or lips.