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Noticing a cavity on one of your teeth can be worrying, as you will need to visit your dentist to determine the best course of treatment. But as we explain in this article, there are several dental cavity treatment options available to you, and the best option depends on the type of cavity you have. Join us as we look closely at the different cavity treatments available and find out when you should contact your dentist to have your teeth looked at.
Why are cavity treatments necessary?
A cavity is essentially a hole that has formed on the surface of your tooth. It occurs because of tooth decay, which itself can be caused by numerous factors, including plaque buildup caused by poor dental hygiene. There are several different types of cavity:
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Smooth surface: This type of cavity grows slowly and it dissolves your tooth enamel over time. Improving your dental hygiene is the easiest way to treat this type of cavity, and you can even reverse it if you follow your dentist's instructions.
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Pit & fissure decay: These are cavities that form in the section of your tooth used for chewing. While smooth surface cavities develop slowly, pit & fissure decays progress more quickly.
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Root decay: The most serious type of cavity is known as root decay, which may affect you if you have receding gums. It's also the most difficult type of cavity to treat.
There are numerous ways to fill and treat a cavity, depending on the depth of the hole in your teeth and several other factors.
How to know if you need dental cavity treatment?
You only need this treatment if you have a dental cavity. There are numerous symptoms of a cavity, including bad breath, bleeding gums, facial swelling, and toothache or pain. If your teeth become overly sensitive, it could be down to a cavity.
If you're unsure, you should schedule an appointment with a dentist and ask them to check the tooth in question. They can spot a dental cavity easily and explain the best course of treatment, which can involve any of the following dental cavity treatments listed below.
4 common dental cavity treatment options
The depth and severity of your dental cavity will influence the type of treatment that your dentist recommends. Below are the most conventional options:
1. Enhanced oral hygiene
If you have minor tooth decay and a smooth surface cavity, your dentist might recommend stage 1 early cavity treatment. In many cases, the dentist recommends fluoride treatments that can repair damaged enamel.
What's more, your dentist will likely give you a prescription toothpaste and encourage you to brush your teeth with a high-quality toothbrush, like the Laifen Wave.
2. Fillings
The next step and another popular option for early cavity treatment is a dental filling. The dentist will remove any decayed tissue from the tooth and fill it with a composite resin. Fillings are straightforward and don't usually take more than an hour or so to complete.
3. Root canal treatment
If you're suffering from advanced tooth decay and have serious toothache or pain, root canal treatment might be necessary.
In this process, the pulp of the tooth is removed and the canal and pulp is filled with a special material. The treatment may then be completed with a new dental crown.
4. Tooth extraction
If your dentist doesn't think they can treat the tooth with a root canal, they may recommend tooth extraction. As this leaves a gap in your teeth, you can fill it with a dental bridge or a permanent dental implant, depending on your preferences and available budget.
Is cavity treatment at home possible?
If you don't want to visit your dentist, tooth cavity natural treatment options are likely to appeal to you. Though we recommend a trip to the dentist's office if you have deep cavities, there are some home remedies you can try if you think you have a smooth surface cavity:
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Chewing sugar-free gum may help to remineralize enamel, as shown in some studies (source: https://journals.lww.com/jcde/pages/default.aspx).
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Taking a Vitamin D supplement can help you to absorb calcium from the food that you eat, which makes a big difference to the health and strength of your teeth.
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As mentioned above, brushing your teeth with flouride toothpaste can help to prevent cavities from forming, but it can also help with remineralizing enamel.
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Oil pulling, which involves swishing oil around your mouth for around 20 minutes, may also help to treat cavities. Coconut and sesame oil are the best options.
The bottom line on cavity treatments
With a cavity, the key is to act fast. If you leave it, it will only get worse and the pain and discomfort will get progressively worse. What's more, the longer you leave it, the more invasive the cavity treatment is likely to be.
While there are some cavity treatments at home that might work, visiting a dentist is your best option, as they will diagnose your issue and recommend the best course of treatment for the cavity that you have.
FAQ
Q1: What is a smooth surface cavity treatment?
This type of treatment refers to a way of treating a smooth surface cavity, which is a common affliction that dissolves your tooth enamel slowly over time.
Q2: What's the best treatment for cavities below the gum line?
Root canal treatment is usually best for cavities below the gum line, but you should consult your dentist for the best course of action.
Q3: What is a root cavity treatment?
A root cavity treatment is another name for root canal treatment.
Q4: Is cavity treatment painful?
If a dentist offers you cavity treatment, you will likely be under anesthetic. Therefore, you shouldn't experience any significant pain during the procedure.
