South San Francisco

Cavities

No one likes hearing that they have cavities. But when you do get them, you need to act fast before it becomes more serious and more painful. Vaksman Dental Group is a practice committed to providing complete cavity solutions to ensure a healthy smile and mouth. We don’t just provide standard cavity cleaning, we also provide corrective solutions for continuing health.

Our solutions include porcelain fillings, composite fillings, as well as inlays and onlays. Our dentist will work with you closely to give you the best dental solution for your needs. We’ll help you ensure that your teeth stay healthy and free of cavities and other damages.

Don’t Let Cavities Ruin Your Smile: Prevention and Treatment Tips

Dental cavities, also known as tooth decay or dental caries, are probably the most common dental issues. Cavities occur when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that attack your tooth enamel. Over time, this acid erosion causes destruction and even holes in the teeth. Besides destroying the beauty of your smile, cavities unfortunately also lead to pain, sensitivity, and other oral health problems.

If left untreated, cavities usually get worse and will eventually require a root canal. They can even potentially lead to tooth loss. Do you experience any pain or notice spots on your teeth that shouldn’t be there? It is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. A dentist will diagnose the problem by examining the teeth and sometimes using dental X-rays to confirm the diagnosis. Do not hesitate to contact a dentist for cavities before it gets too bad.

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Most common signs of a tooth cavity:

Some common signs of a cavity may include:

tooth pain;
sensitivity to hot or cold food temperatures;
visible holes or pits in the teeth;
discoloration or staining on the tooth surface.

Other symptoms may include bad breath or even an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

Causes of Cavities

There may be a variety of reasons that cause dental carries:

Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly can cause plaque buildup, which can lead to cavities.
Sugary and Acidic Foods and Drinks: Consuming sugary and acidic foods and drinks can create an environment in your mouth that is conducive to cavity formation.
Dry Mouth: Saliva helps wash away food particles and neutralize harmful acids. If you have a dry mouth, you’re more prone to developing cavities.
Genetics: Some people are more likely to get cavities due to genetic factors that affect the strength and composition of their teeth.
Age: As you age, the protective enamel on your teeth can wear down, making them more susceptible to decay.

By understanding the causes of cavities, you can take steps to prevent them and maintain optimal oral health. Our expert dentists at Vaksman Dental Group will be able to help you figure out the cause of cavities in your situation. We will also prepare a list of suggestions to minimize the risk of them bothering you again.

Types of Treatment Options for Dental Cavity

Composite (White) Fillings

A Composite filling is a white (tooth-colored) resin material that bonds to the tooth structure, that is used now in place of amalgam ‘silver’ fillings to provide a strong and cosmetically pleasing tooth restoration. Because a silver filling requires a “mechanical lock” to stay in place, dentists usually have to drill a shape larger than the decay itself.

Because of the adhesive chemistry of white fillings and the fact that they bond to teeth, the dentists need no additional drilling once they access the decay. The end result is usually a much smaller filling and a stronger tooth because the bonding helps “glue” or reinforce the weak parts of the tooth.

Porcelain Inlays/Onlays

Dental Inlays and Onlays are restorations for repairing rear teeth that have mild to moderate tooth decay. Inlays and Onlays can also help restore teeth that have minor fractures or cracks. However, if the damage to the teeth is severe enough, a dental crown is sometimes warranted. Inlays and Onlays are usually made from porcelain, composite resin, and sometimes gold. Aside from convenience, there are several advantages to having these procedures done in a single visit. Single-visit restorations eliminate the need for additional appointments and injections.

Additionally, your tooth is much better off not having a temporary restoration for two weeks. Temporary restorations can fall out and leak, which can lead to subsequent complications. Dental procedures can be traumatic to teeth, and eliminating a second appointment reduces the amount of stress put on a tooth.

Inlays/Onlays vs. Crowns

The difference between Inlays, Onlays, and Crowns is the amount of tooth structure they replace. Restorations that cover the entire tooth are called Crowns (commonly known as caps). Whenever possible, it is better to place an Inlay or an Onlay on a tooth because it is more conservative and requires less reduction of your natural tooth. Placing a crown on a tooth requires removing a more healthy tooth structure than an Inlay or Onlay, which increases the chances of the tooth requiring a root canal in the future.

Inlays and Onlays also help preserve gum and periodontal health, in that they can be bonded well above the gum line, allowing for easy cleansing and less irritation. A Crown, alternatively, is a good restorative option when a tooth has had a previous root canal or the tooth has insufficient healthy tooth structure remaining to protect it from fracturing.

When you should see a dentist for cavities

Do you suspect that you have cavities? If yes, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible, because catching and treating it early can help prevent even more serious dental problems in the future, as well as save you money.

We recommend scheduling an exam even if you don’t have any symptoms right now, but it’s been a while since you saw your dentist. Regular checkups and cleanings will ensure you catch cavities before they become a more serious problem and start to cause any pain. Treatment for cavities typically involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling the cavity with a dental filling material. It’s fast and painless.

At Vaksman Dental Group we will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and recommend a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Dental Cavities FAQ

The cavity may get worse, and there can be a risk of tooth loss if untreated. To prevent further damage, it is recommended to have dental treatment for tooth decay as soon as possible.

Cavities may occur with each tooth, but most of them are found in the molars and premolars at the back of the mouth.

The cost of cavity treatment can vary depending on the severity of the cavity and the type of filling material used. Book a visit online now to consult us for an accurate estimate of the cost.

Poor dental hygiene, too much sugar, and carbohydrate content in your diet, oral dryness or some medicines may increase the risk of having a tooth decay.

Cavities occur because of a combination of bacteria in the mouth as well as high sugar and carb intake. The bacteria are producing an acid that destroys the tooth's enamel, and in doing so causes teeth to decay.

Pain or sensitivity in the tooth, teeth exposed to holes and pits, discolorations or staining of the dentine surface may be typical symptoms of a cavity. A dentist can confirm the diagnosis using a dental exam and X-rays.

Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular tooth brushing and flossing, reduced consumption of sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods, and frequent visits to a dentist for routine cleanings, and inspections are part of the fight against cavities.