Unless your dentist has advised you to operate on a different schedule, you should plan to undergo a routine dental checkup approximately every six months. These visits include a full review of your oral health, and a detailed cleaning that can remove material that is too stubborn to be removed via at-home care. One advantage of going in for a checkup every six months is that your dentist will have more opportunities to catch problems as they are still developing. When you delay treatment, you may create an opportunity for a small cavity to grow until it becomes painful. These advanced cavities demand more involved restorative treatments from your dentist.
What It Means When A Cavity Becomes Painful
An infection in the pulp of your tooth can leave you with increased sensitivity, or pain in that tooth. This is because decay has started to affect the living tissue within your pulp. You should know that without a root canal treatment, a cavity can continue to attack the nerves in your tooth until it is no longer salvageable. After a root canal has cleared all infected material from your pulp, your dentist can have a crown placed on the tooth.
Your Checkup Is About More Than Just Checking For Cavities
When your dentist checks your teeth, you are being inspected for more than just cavities. Your gums are reviewed, and any signs of dental issues not related to cavities can be spotted. For instance, if you have an unusual amount of wear and tear on teeth, it could indicate that you have been grinding your teeth. People with bruxism tend to clench their jaw unconsciously, and often during sleep. Your dentist can have a special mouth guard made to stop you from harming your teeth at night.
