Hello, this is Dr. Virginia Ellis at Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. Today I am going to be discussing tooth decay. What are cavities? Many people don't fully understand what a cavity is. I am here to explain this to you.
What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay, in dentistry, means a cavity. If you have decay, it means you have a tooth infection. Decay is a bacterial infection that has penetrated the inside of the tooth from the outside. The outer shell gets demineralized, becoming microporous. Bacteria, being very small, start to ingress into the inside of the tooth, leading to a cavity. If untreated, it continues deeper into the nerve, eventually causing it to rot, resulting in an infection called an abscess. This can lead to swollen faces or other symptoms requiring immediate attention.
What are signs of tooth decay?
Sometimes there are no symptoms in the early stages. I've had patients with abscesses that are draining, giving them a funny taste. Because the abscess is draining, there is no pressure, and it doesn't hurt, so they may not realize they have cavities or an infection. A stained tooth, an ache triggered by cold or heat, or spontaneous tooth pain can indicate a cavity. A visible black hole in the mouth is a cavity. Sensitivity to cold, heat, or touch can also be a sign, though not always, which is why you should visit a dentist for a check-up.
What are the effects of tooth decay?
The effects of tooth decay include pain, infection, and, if untreated, tooth loss. Initially, there may be no pain, but it can develop later.
Can tooth decay lead to other complications?
Yes, complications include tooth loss, abscesses, and septicemia. Septicemia is when bacteria spread throughout the body via the bloodstream. It's serious, especially for individuals with type one or two diabetes, those undergoing chemotherapy, or with weakened immune systems. Elderly individuals are also at higher risk.
Can tooth decay return to normal?
Yes, but only if the tooth cavity is incipient. If the cavity or demineralization is within the shell of the tooth, it can be reversible. If it extends beyond the shell into the dentin, it becomes irreversible and requires treatment.
At what point is tooth decay irreversible?
Tooth decay becomes irreversible once it reaches the dentin, the yellow part of the tooth. Even a tiny bit of decay in the dentin requires cleaning and filling.
What are some treatments for tooth decay?
Depending on the depth of the cavity, treatments vary. If it's on the shell and incipient, sodium diamine fluoride, high fluoride toothpaste, or fluoride treatments can reverse demineralization. For decay in the dentin, fillings, crowns, or caps may be necessary.
Is tooth decay painful?
The absence of pain does not always indicate the absence of cavities. Cavities can be painless until they reach the nerve and cause pressure from pus buildup. Early detection is crucial to prevent pain and further complications.
When should I see a dentist about treating tooth decay?
You should see a dentist immediately if you suspect tooth decay. Regular check-ups every 3 to 6 months are recommended. For those with gum disease, more frequent visits every 3 to 4 months may be necessary. Early intervention saves pain, time, money, and preserves your quality of life.
I hope this information has been useful. If you found it helpful, please like, subscribe, and share with someone who may benefit. Until next time, see you in the next video.