How to Cover a Cavity on Front Tooth
Some
patients have never had tooth decay in their lives; however, it is not usual.
Many people look for treatment to the dental cavity in Red Deer, which is why
we will tell you what you can expect.
Our
dentist in Red Deer will examine you, and you will discuss your medical and
dental history with them.
Dental Cavities
Many
factors have an impact on the development of a cavity, such as eating habits,
family’s oral care, dental hygiene, visits to a dentist near you, and even the
quality of your saliva.
After
you eat, especially foods high in carbohydrates, you must brush your teeth
because otherwise, bacteria react to the food particles that remained in your
mouth and produce acids that wear your enamel off. This demineralization is
known as tooth decay. The first stages of it show as a white spot, but as it
advances, you will see a tiny hole in your tooth, which will grow over time if
you don’t seek treatment for a dental cavity near you.
Symptoms of a Cavity
While
they are most common in the molars (back teeth) due to their pits and grooves,
cavities also occur in your front teeth, and the symptoms are the same. They
may include:
- Tooth discoloration – It is usual to see darker surfaces in your teeth. Discoloration may include black, brown, grey, and chalky white spots (early stage) on the dental surface.
- Pain when chewing – If you feel pain when you bite down, and you
can identify the exact spot where it hurts, it is a clear sign that there
is a cavity.
- Tooth sensitivity – If your teeth feel tender, especially
after eating or drinking hot or cold beverages, you might have a cavity.
- Random pain –
Healthy teeth don’t hurt. If you have a toothache and you don’t know the
cause, a cavity is likely growing. Seek immediate assistance if this occurs.
- A hole in the surface – When the cavity is already visible, it means that it is advanced, and you should visit your dental professional right away, even if you don’t feel any pain.
Treatment for a Cavity
It’s not a one-size-fits-all
scenario. The treatment for a cavity will depend on how extensive the decay is,
and also, the patient’s preferences.
Your dentist
will fix a cavity on the front tooth with any of the treatments below:
- Fluoride applications – When the cavity is beginning to form, and
there is mild enamel erosion, your dentist might treat it with a more
conservative option - frequent fluoride applications.
- A dental filling – Fillings
are usually the first non-preventive treatment that people undergo. Your
doctor will remove the damaged tooth structure with a dental drill and
fill it with composite resin.
- A dental crown – If the tooth is severely decayed, a dental
filling won’t be enough to restore it, since they are not as resistant and
may break after little time. When there is not much healthy remnant dental
structure left, it is best to prepare the tooth and place a porcelain
dental crown.
- A Root Canal – When the cavity grows too much and invades the
pulp inside the tooth (where the nerve and vessels are), your dentist must
perform a root canal. He or she will remove the infected pulp and dental
structure, clean and disinfect it properly, and seal it with a
biocompatible material. In these cases, the final restoration that goes on
top is usually a dental crown.
- Dental extraction – When the damage is irreparable, there is no other option than to extract the dental piece.