New Dental Images in Elk Grove, CA is your best choice for combating the pain and discomfort of tooth decay. While treatable, tooth decay is a condition with serious implications. Dr. Van Dang and her team of dental professionals invite you to come experience their top rate facilities and gentle patient care. Let us find the source of the problem and get you smiling again today.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
The plaque that develops on our teeth contains bacteria that feed off of carbohydrates (sugars and starches). That means the sandwich and latte you had at lunch are leaving traces of carbohydrates that will be used for food by the bacteria in our mouths. When this happens, the bacteria produce acid as a byproduct, and it is the acid that slowly erodes our enamel and compromises our teeth, leaving a cavity. The decay can eventually penetrate all three layers of a tooth, reaching the nerve center or pulp. Tooth decay is classified as a disease though it is both a preventable and treatable one. Understanding what causes tooth decay can help prevent it down the road.
Tooth Decay Prevention
Your best defense against cavities is proper oral hygiene. Oral hygiene includes brushing and flossing daily to remove food and reduce plaque build-up, and visiting your dentist for annual checkups. Your dental team can also perform a thorough cleaning to keep the acid-producing bacteria at bay. Fluoride-based products successfully help remineralize the areas that have been affected and help rebuild damaged enamel. Often, toothpastes and rinses with added fluoride are sufficient enough to get the job done though some people may require more fluoride than over-the-counter products provide. Your dentist can help you determine what product is best for you.
Tooth Decay Treatment
When it comes to fixing a decayed tooth, the treatment options vary according to the severity of the damage. For minor cavities, a composite material, resin or gold may be used to fill in the space where your dentist has removed the decay. For larger affected portions of the tooth, a cap may be used to cover the entire tooth to protect it and to restore its original shape. When the center of the tooth has been compromised, your dentist may perform a root canal to clean thoroughly out the pulp and seal of the tooth. On occasion, decay is severe enough that the only option is to remove the tooth.
Beautiful Teeth Start Now
If you are suffering from any of the stages of tooth decay, it is important to address the problem before it gets worse. Call New Dental Images today and secure an appointment.