tooth decay
Do you have tooth pain and live in Colorado Springs, CO? Tooth decay is what occurs when plaque and acids are allowed to build up on the teeth. If this plaque and the acids aren’t brushed and flossed away, it can also lead to dental cavities, gum disease, and even tooth infections.
symptoms of tooth decay
Tooth decay itself may not cause any pain or symptoms. However, if dental cavities have developed because of your tooth decay, there are a few things you may begin to notice:
- Increasingly sensitive teeth, especially to hot or cold temperatures
- A toothache, either with throbbing or sharp pain
- A bitter taste in the mouth
- Bad breath
- Tooth discoloration
- Visible pits or holes in the teeth
treatments for tooth decay
Treatment for tooth decay will depend largely on the severity of the case:
- For the earlier stages of tooth decay, you will receive a thorough dental cleaning, removing all the plaque, bacteria, and tartar built up on your teeth. We will then apply a fluoride gel to the tooth, which will help strengthen the enamel.
- If the tooth decay has advanced into a dental cavity, the decay will be removed from the cavity in the tooth under local anesthetic. Once this has been done, you will either receive a filling or a crown, depending on the size of the dental cavity.
- If your case of tooth decay has spread to the pulp of the tooth (the center of the tooth, which contains nerves and blood), you may need to undergo root canal therapy. This will clean out the damaged root tissue and the infection. We’ll place a crown over the tooth once the procedure has been finished.
- Lastly, if your tooth is too damaged to be restored, you may need to have the tooth removed. Once this has been done, we have several restoration options for you to choose from.
To make an appointment here at Balota Family Dentistry, please contact our Colorado Springs, Colorado dental office today.
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