Dentist in Wicker Park Advises What to Do If You Suspect Cavities

A cavity is a damaged and decayed area of a tooth. Cavities are caused by excessive bacteria and can be devastating to your smile if left untreated. If you suspect that you may have one (or multiple) cavities, it is crucial to be seen by our dentist as soon as possible. Our dentist in Wicker Park provides some information about how to tell if you have a cavity and how they can be treated.

What Causes Cavities?

Cavities are usually a result of excessive sugar intake, worn enamel, and poor dental hygiene. Sugar feeds bad bacteria in the mouth, allowing it to eat away at the teeth and cause decay. Over time, cavities only become larger and cause more damage to your mouth.

What Are The Symptoms?

The most common symptoms of cavities are pain and sensitivity. You may also notice a black spot on the tooth or experience bad breath. Other symptoms include:

• Worsening toothache
• Pain when biting down
• Pain in response to specific things, like hot food or sweets

If left untreated, the bacteria will continue downward and eventually damage the root of the tooth. This can lead to worse dental problems and possible need for a root canal.

How Cavities Are Treated

Depending on the severity, a cavity can be treated with a simple filling or it may require more extensive treatment, involving crowns or root canals. For small cavities, our dentist will be able to remove the decay and fill the hole to prevent further damage. With more extensive decay, more of the tooth may be removed and a crown or cap will replace it. If the decay has infected the root of the tooth, you may be a candidate for a root canal, which will require a crown after treatment as well.

The best treatment is prevention. Regular checkups and cleanings are very effective for cavity prevention. Seeing our dentist regularly can help detect and treat small dental problems before they have a chance to progress into something worse.

Contact Our Dentist in Wicker Park Today To Schedule An Appointment!

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to dentistry, feel free to contact Dente Complete Dentistry, with a convenient dental office in Wicker Park by calling 773.295.0562 or by clicking here.