First, we should briefly cover how they can form. Your mouth is naturally full of bacteria, good and bad. But when you eat starchy or sugary foods, the bacteria feasts on it and may produce an acid, which can erode your enamel if it isn’t cleaned away. If the enamel becomes eroded, that hole is referred to as dental decay, or a cavity. In its very first stages, it may be possible to reverse the damaging effects of the erosion by using a toothpaste with fluoride, which can help to restore the enamel.

You might not notice any “signs” of a cavity forming in its earliest stages. That could be because your enamel doesn’t have nerve endings, so until the decay has reached the more sensitive dentin layer, you might not feel anything. You might begin to notice some discomfort when you eat foods that are sweet, cold or hot. You could also experience it when you bite down. If it is a large cavity, you might be able to see it. Sometimes they can create visible holes or black, white or brown stains on a tooth’s surface.

Sweet foods may be more likely to cause discomfort because they can be sticky and might cling to the tooth longer. The acids made from the bacteria might be able to get into the cavity and aggravate the nerves, causing an unpleasant sensation.

If you believe that you have a cavity in Cincinnati, Ohio, you should call Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry at 513-771-5212 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Alexis Mai may be able to restore your tooth’s health with a dental filling.

The post Could That Be a Cavity? first appeared on Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry.

What is a root canal?
A root canal is a procedure that can be done when the pulp, a small thin tissue in your tooth, becomes damaged or diseased. To access the pulp, our dentist will need to make a small opening in the crown or the back of the tooth. The damaged tissue can then be removed, and the chamber can be cleaned, enlarged and shaped in preparation to being filled permanently. Usually, the chamber and root canal will be filled with a rubbery material called a gutta-percha that will be cemented into place. A crown can then be used to complete the procedure and restore the tooth’s natural shape and function.

How long can the restored tooth last?
If properly cared for, the restored tooth, or teeth, could last a lifetime. Good dental hygiene is still needed because dental decay can still occur on the outside surfaces of the tooth. Regular exams and checkups can help check for signs of developing issues.

You should also remember that your tooth will no longer have pulp to keep it alive. This can make your tooth more brittle and prone to fracturing. It is important to consider when you are deciding whether or not to completely fill the tooth or to finish the restoration with a crown.

If you would like to know more about root canals in the Cincinnati, Ohio, area, call Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
today at 513-771-5212. Dr. Alexis Mai is happy to help you smile once again.

The post Teeth Giving You Grief? A Root Canal May Help! first appeared on Elite Cosmetic & Family Dentistry.