Tooth Decay (Caries/Cavities) Treatment in Rockville most effective ways to cure

Tooth Decay/Caries Treatment

Tooth decay is caused by the build up of plaque on the surface of the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film from bacteria and food that forms on the teeth over the course of the day. Plaque can stick to the very small nicks and cracks on the surface of the teeth and generates types of acid that can cause the breakdown and destruction of the protective enamel that covers the surface of the teeth leading to tooth decay. Plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing or professional cleaning hardens into what can sometimes be seen as a yellow colored mineral deposit on the tooth surface called tartar or calculus. Tartar can also form below the gum line where it can lead to gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease).

Over time, plaque causes cavities or caries to form on the teeth. Some cavities can be seen by the dentist as small black dots on the surface of the tooth. Other cavities may only be seen by a diagnostic x-ray.

Everyone is at risk for tooth decay. Some risk factors include:

-consuming a diet containing many sweets and high sugar foods

-living in an area that does not have fluoridated drinking water

-age (typically younger children and older adults are at higher risk for developing dental caries)

After the decay has been identified during an exam, the dentist will remove the decay with a drill and other special instruments and fill the area where the cavity was located with an a filling material such as resin or composite white filling to restore and protect the remaining tooth structure. If the decay is not untreated, it will continue to expand and eventually destroy the entire tooth. Both prevention and early treatment of tooth decay is preferable to prevent painful and costly procedures later on. Other possible treatments/procedures for tooth decay may include the placement of dental veneers which are thin laminates bonded to the front of the teeth to alter the tooth’s color, size, or shape or the use of a dental crown which is a type of “cap” that is placed on a tooth to fix a cracked or broken tooth. A dental crown is necessary when a root canal procedure has been performed.

Regular brushing and flossing of the teeth help to remove plaque and prevent tooth decay and the formation of caries. In addition, you will want to schedule regular appointments to visit a dentist at our Rockville office. The dentist will check your teeth for cavities and tooth decay as well as perform a professional cleaning.

If you have any futher questions please contact our office for an appointment.

To learn more about modern dental services and smile makeover performed by our Dentist in Rockville click here.

To learn more about other restorative dentistry procedures in Rockville office click here.

Your Dentist 7508 Wisconsin ave. Bethesda MD 20814 tel: 301-760-4550