What does pain in your tooth mean? In some cases, you may need to undergo treatment to stop the progression of a cavity and prevent the onset of an infection. But does a toothache always mean a cavity? How do we avoid the onset of decay and what treatments will we offer our Richfield, MN, patients? Let’s talk about tooth decay in today’s blog.
Non-Cavity-Related Aches
Not every ache means cavities. For example, that winter chill could cause your teeth to feel sensitive. Changes in air pressure, such as when riding in an airplane, or sinus and allergy issues, could all lead to toothaches. However, these bouts of discomfort will be short-lived and pass after a few hours. If your sensitivity or discomfort lasts for more than 48 hours, you should see the dentist.
Tooth Decay and Aches
A toothache that lasts more than day could be a sign of a cavity. Tooth decay forms when poor oral hygiene or injury damages the outer enamel, enabling bacteria to reach the inner tooth structure. As a result, a cavity forms. Without treatment, cavities will continue to grow and spread. Once the bacteria comes into the contact with the pulp, an infection could arise that threatens the stability and health of your tooth.
Preventing and Treating Cavities
Often, good homecare (brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing thoroughly every night) helps limit plaque buildup and safeguard the smile. In addition, routine exams and cleanings also help. A checkup allows the dentist to examine the smile and uncover the earliest signs of cavities, often treating the problem before you experience pain. A cleaning removes all plaque buildup, which helps prevent the onset of cavities in the first place. Prevention also includes cutting back on sugary foods and drinks.
If you have a cavity, then we may suggest treatment. In most cases, we place a tooth-colored and metal-free dental filling. Made from composite resin, the material can be shaded to blend with your tooth. After removing the decay, we place the material and sculpt the tooth. We then polish the tooth, repairing your smile in just one visit. For more serious cases, we may prescribe a custom-made dental crown or a veneer to restore the health and beauty of your smile. If you have any questions about treating oral health issues, or about your aching tooth, then contact our team today. Let’s improve the health and comfort of your smile today!
Do You Need A Filling?
Our team offers patients a lifelike solution to cavities. To learn more about our restorative treatment options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Keller by calling Cedar West Family Dentistry in Richfield, MN, today at (612) 861-7188.
