Most Common Cavity Treatments

Most people have suffered from a cavity at some point. They are painful and disrupt our normal daily activities. While people think cavities are tiny holes in the surface of teeth, cavities can affect teeth differently. Depending on the type of cavity, the treatment can be different. 

At Hamby Family Dental Center, your Fuquay-Varina dentist, our knowledgeable and professional team is experienced in the different types of cavities and the treatments for each one. In this article, we explore the major types of cavities and their treatments, as well as the most common cavity treatments in general.

The 3 Major Types of Cavities

1.) Root Cavities

A root cavity is one of the most serious kinds of cavity. Root cavities are difficult to see because they attack the hidden part of the tooth–the root. However, there can be signs of a root cavity where the tooth meets the gum, especially when the gum has receded. Root cavities are much more serious than regular cavities because the decay is more likely to reach the central nerve, which can compromise the health of the entire tooth.

When bacteria can reach the roots of a tooth, the tooth is in serious jeopardy because the roots don’t have enamel as the crown of a tooth does. The roots are only covered by a thin layer called cementum. The cementum doesn’t offer much protection, so tooth decay spreads faster. When it attacks the nerve, it produces severe toothache and can result in the tooth breaking off if the roots are too severely damaged.

If left untreated for too long, root cavities can ultimately result in tooth loss.

Treatment of Root Cavities

There are several treatments for root cavities depending on the severity of the cavity and its location.

Dental Filling

A dentist can remove the decayed part of the tooth and fill it with a restorative material, such as a composite resin or glass ionomer cement. If the decay has spread to the pulp, root canal therapy is usually needed.

Root Canal

An endodontist can perform a root canal to relieve pain from advanced tooth decay. During a root canal, the endodontist removes the tooth pulp and fills the canals and pulp chamber with a special filling material. If a root canal is required or the cavity is large, a crown may be recommended.

Dental Crown

A crown can be placed on top of the tooth to strengthen it and improve its appearance. Many times, a crown is used after a root canal treatment.

2.) Pit and Fissure Cavities

Pit and fissure cavities are most commonly found on the rear molars and occur on the chewing surfaces of teeth. This type of cavity is very common since it is easy for plaque and food to get stuck in the crevices and grooves on the tops of teeth. This is especially true for people who don’t brush as often as they should. Sealants can be used to help protect teeth in children and adults who are at higher risk of developing pit and fissure cavities.

Treatment of Pit and Fissure Cavities

If pit and fissure cavities are found early, they can be treated with sealants or fluoride. However, once the cavity becomes deeper, the dentist must remove decay and repair the tooth with fillings or root canals and crowns. Fillings usually work well for smaller cavities. Larger cavities can require root canals or crowns because the decay is deep and/or the tooth structure is too weak.

3.) Smooth-Surface Cavities

Smooth-surface cavities commonly occur on the flat sides of teeth, affecting the flat exterior surface of teeth. These are the slowest cavities to develop and the least common. People in their 20s often develop this form of tooth decay between their teeth. These cavities can be prevented and sometimes reversed with proper oral hygiene.

Treatment of Smooth-Surface Cavities

Minor cases can be treated with fluoride treatments such as gels, toothpaste, varnish, or fluoride-enriched water. More severe cases may require a dental filling, crown, root canal, or extraction.

Natural Remedies

Please note, that once a cavity has penetrated the dentin, you won’t be able to get rid of it at home. There are a few home remedies that may help with the pain and inflammation of a cavity. The following actions at home might help prevent cavities or strengthen the weakened areas of your enamel before a cavity develops:

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important to help absorb calcium and phosphate from the food you eat. Studies have shown that eating foods high in vitamin D and calcium, like yogurt, can lessen cavities in young children. However, recent research has challenged how vitamin D can affect dental health.

Brush With Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride plays an important role in preventing cavities and remineralizing enamel. Extensive research has been done to show that regularly brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste prevents cavities. Most studies have been conducted either in children or adolescents, so more research is needed in adults and the elderly.

Eliminate Sugary Foods

The World Health Organization says that eating sugar is the greatest risk factor for cavities. They recommend reducing sugar intake to less than 10 percent of your total caloric intake for the day. Try not to snack on sugary foods throughout the day. Once the sugar is gone, your enamel has a chance to remineralize. However, if you are continuously eating sugar, your teeth don’t get the chance to remineralize.

Cavity Prevention

One way you can prevent cavities is through proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing. Oral hygiene can reduce plaque, acids, and cavity-causing bacteria. Read the article “Dental Care Tips to Help Prevent Cavities” for a guide to prevent cavities. Here is a quick list for reference:

• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day
• Cutting out sugary, starchy foods and drinks
• Daily flossing to get rid of food and plaque between teeth
• Biannual dental exams
• Dental sealants to protect the top chewing surfaces of your teeth

Contact Hamby Family Dental Center to Schedule a Dental Appointment

The dental team at Hamby Family Dental Center can diagnose what is causing your toothache and treat cavities. We are knowledgeable and specialized in treating cavities. And, our professional team keeps patient comfort at the forefront of our care at all times. We will make sure that you leave with a smile on your face. Contact us today by calling  919-552-2431 or completing the form below.