While there are many dental problems you can develop over time, a common one that almost everyone has to deal with are cavities. Here are a couple questions about cavities that you may have, either if you currently have one or are looking to prevent them.
Will A Dental Sealant Stop Cavities From Developing?
Since children may not be the best at taking care of their teeth with proper brushing techniques, many parents look to prevent their kids from getting cavities by using a dental sealant. The sealant works by being applied to surfaces of the teeth that commonly develop cavities, which gives the surface some added protection from bacteria that can eat away at the enamel.
A misconception is that dental sealants provide total protection against cavities. Sealants are typically applied along the top surface of each tooth, where a cavity is most likely to form. There will not be protection on the other surfaces, which includes the visible sides and the surface between the teeth that requires flossing to clean. It's also possible for a sealant to break down over time, which will expose the tooth to tartar and bacteria. Even if you have dental fillings, you'll still need to practice great oral hygiene.
What Needs To Be Done To Repair A Cavity?
When a cavity does form, a filling can be used to repair the damaged tooth to give it protection. A filling is incredibly effective at protecting the tooth and restoring its structure. However, there are limitations to what a dental filling can do.
In situations where there is extreme decay, a filling may not be enough. If the structure of the tooth is still there, a crown can be used to prevent further damage to the tooth. A crown helps restore a tooth's appearance, and also add stability. A dentist will let you know what the best method will be to fix a cavity, since they are the best judge if a filling or crown is needed.
If a cavity is ignored for too long, it can cause the decay to go deep into the tooth. It's possible that it will eventually reach the pulp of the tooth, cause an infection, and then require a root canal to fix the problem. That's why it's so important to attend regular dental checkups to find problems early so they can be fixed with minimal dental work.
For more info on cavities, be sure to ask your local dentist, someone at a place like Minnesota Lakes Dental.
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