Do You Have A Cavity?

We are passionate about our patients visiting our office for routine hygiene examinations and cleanings. We recommend that most patients visit our office every six months; however, some people may need to come more often due to existing oral health conditions. During these visits, we not only clean the teeth, but we also look for problems with your teeth and gums. One common problem that affects patients young and old alike is cavities. You are certainly familiar with the term “cavity”, but do you really understand what it means and how it is caused? Read on to learn more about cavities and what can happen if they are not treated.

What is a Cavity?

When patients visit our office for an oral hygiene examination, we take several steps to ensure optimal health. One problem we are looking for is dental decay, also commonly referred to as a cavity. A cavity forms when a buildup of plaque and bacteria has produced acid that has eaten away at the surface of the tooth.

What Happens if a Cavity Goes Untreated?

Dental decay does not heal on its own. It will continue to progress and worsen until you get treatment. If you do not get the treatment in a timely fashion, the cavity will continue to grow and move from the tooth enamel, which is the outer part of the tooth, to the pulp, which is inside the tooth. The original diagnosis of a filling may need to change to a dental crown, root canal, or even tooth extraction. The longer you delay treatment, the better chance you have of experiencing a dental emergency.

If you need an oral hygiene examination or we have recommended a filling or other treatment that you need to schedule, be sure to contact our office, which is located in Silverdale, WA. We want to help you have optimal oral health! See you soon!