Most Teeth Can Be Corrected While sometimes their tooth decay was advanced enough to be a serious problem, a simple cavity can be surprisingly painful. So, it is important not to wait until you can't stand the pain and discomfort and have treated sooner rather than later.
Once bacteria have entered your tooth, it may be too late for a filling because we will need to prevent or treat an existing infection. However, it's never too late for dental care!
A white spot may appear where minerals have been lost. This is a sign of early decay. Tooth decay can be stopped or reversed at this point. Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva, and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources.
Every Cavity Is Different
Some people have softer tooth enamel than others, making it easier for bacteria or acid to penetrate the tooth. On average, as a broad timeline, it can take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity needs treatment.
Other causes of fast tooth decay can stem from other sources like acid reflux, stomach problems, or eating disorders such as bulimia. Dry mouth caused by health conditions or medications can also cause issues since saliva can help acid build up in your mouth.
However, if a tooth is severely damaged, your dentist may not be able to save it. In these cases, they will normally recommend that the tooth be removed. Dentists may recommend removal in the following circumstances: Dental injury resulting in a cracked or fractured tooth or root.
If you have an injured, decayed, or loose tooth, your dentist will do everything possible to save your natural tooth. Unfortunately, it's not always possible, in which case, the tooth will need to be extracted.
Damage below the gumline – A severe crack or split below your gumline may make it impossible for a dentist to save the tooth. Severe trauma – Fractured tooth roots or extensive damage may make it challenging for a dentist to save your tooth.
Fillings, also called restorations, are the main treatment option when decay has progressed beyond the earliest stage. Fillings are made of various materials, such as tooth-colored composite resins, porcelain or dental amalgam that is a combination of several materials. Crowns.
A very high long-term survival rate of implants as shown in multiple clinical studies. Implants will function and appear very similar to your natural teeth. For cases in which attempting to save your natural tooth has a less-than-ideal chance of success, implants are often the more predictable option.
Root Canals Aren't Possible with Severe Infection
If the deepest layers of the pulp become infected, it may be too late to save the tooth. In addition, if a large portion of the tooth is lost and a crown cannot be placed on what's left, root canal treatment is no longer a viable solution.
Implants are the gold standard for permanently replacing missing teeth or teeth that are too decayed or damaged to be repaired. Dental implants are custom designed to look just like your natural teeth and are durable enough to last a lifetime. Implants work just like natural teeth and can be brushed and flossed.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is the cheapest way to fix teeth after an injury, cavities, or rotten teeth. In addition, this method of tooth replacement is long-lasting. This is because your replaced tooth is on a strong foundation.
If the tooth is broken, your dentist might still be able to place a crown over it – as long as the break isn't too severe. They'll use composite resin to patch up the crack and then place the crown over the top.
Consequences of Not Replacing Your Back Tooth
Since back molars don't affect the overall appearance of your smile, you might be tempted to skip replacing it. That's not the best idea. Missing a tooth, even just one, can cause severe and permanent damage to your entire mouth.
Here are some common reasons: Change in daily routine: If you weren't getting cavities before and now you are, it's highly likely that something in your life has changed that's causing the sudden onset. Consider lifestyle factors like diet, stress, starting school or a new job, and new habits.
It's due to eating a lot of sugars and starches and not cleaning your teeth well. When sugars and starches aren't cleaned off your teeth, bacteria quickly begin feeding on them and form plaque. Plaque that stays on your teeth can harden under or above your gum line into tartar (calculus).
A diet high in sugar and other simple carbs feed these bacteria by producing acid that breaks down the tooth enamel surface, increasing the risk for cavities. On the other hand, we can lower cavity risk by “starving” these bacteria by reducing sugars and other simple carbs from our diets.
Both the baby molars (which come through at around age two), and the permanent adult molars (which come through at around six years of age), can be affected. If you think your child might have chalky teeth, see a dentist or other oral health professional.
A root canal is the only way to save a dead tooth and involves removing the pulp and cleaning the site to prevent infections. Once the pulp has been removed and the area thoroughly cleansed, a filling will be placed in the opening and the roots will be sealed.
If a molar is only half-broken, it can usually be fixed in one of two ways. If the break is relatively minor and the edges are still intact, your dentist may be able to bond the broken pieces back together. If the damage is more severe, they may need to use a dental crown or filling material to cover the break.
A dying tooth may appear yellow, light brown, gray, or even black. It may look almost as if the tooth is bruised. The discoloration will increase over time as the tooth continues to decay and the nerve dies. If you experience any symptoms of a dying tooth, it's important to see your dentist right away.
Because the dentine is softer, it will also be more prone to dental decay causing a black tooth. You should see a dentist about this; however, it would not be considered an emergency appointment unless it is accompanied by pain.
In most cases, at least two millimeters of tooth structure is required in order to place a crown. Generally, this means that at least one-quarter of the visible portion of the tooth must be present and healthy enough to support a dental crown.