Cavities, also known as dental caries or tooth decay, are one of the most common oral health issues. But what do cavities look like, and what are the signs that you need dental fillings? Please read our article to learn the answer to these questions.
What Do Cavities Look Like?
A dental cavity is a hole or decayed area on the tooth caused by bacterial growth. It most often appears on the chewing surface of the tooth or along the gum line. Spotting and addressing a cavity in its early stages is important because it prevents the spread of the infection and further tooth damage.
What Are the Early Signs of Cavities?
It can be challenging to spot a cavity in its earliest stages with the naked eye. That is why we recommend having bi-yearly dental checkups, as your dentist is well-equipped to recognize issues and plan treatment accordingly. Consult your dentist if you notice the following:
- White spots on the tooth’s enamel typically indicate mineral loss. At this point, the damage is reversible if addressed with improved oral hygiene, professional cleanings, and fluoride treatments.
- As decay progresses, the white spots might become gray or brown. However, at this stage, you are still unlikely to experience sensitivity or pain.
What Are the Signs of Progressed Cavities?
Once bacteria and acid in the mouth break down the weakened enamel of your tooth, the cavities become more noticeable. They can vary in color and appearance:
- Light or dark brown, gray, or black spots on the surface of the tooth
- Holes or craters in the tooth
At this stage, you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks, as well as sugar. Additionally, some dull, occasional pain can be present, especially when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth. However, some people do not experience any discomfort and, therefore, overlook the issue until it progresses even further.
How Do Advanced Cavities Look?
If small cavities are left untreated, decay can reach the dentin (the softer layer beneath the enamel) and then the pulp inside the tooth, where nerves and blood vessels are located. The signs of advanced cavities include:
- Deep holes in the tooth
- More noticeable or severe discoloration or bigger dark brown or blackened areas of the tooth
- Swelling and redness of the gum tissue around the tooth
- Pain when chewing food or applying pressure to the tooth
- Persistent throbbing or sharp toothache
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth or bad breath that does not go away after brushing and flossing
- Sensitivity of the tooth to hot and cold foods or drinks, and sugar
- Chips or cracks in the damaged area
How Are Cavities Treated
As we mentioned before, if signs of cavities are spotted very early on, the enamel damage can be reversed with procedures such as:
- Professional cleanings, which help remove plaque and tartar where harmful bacteria can live
- Fluoride treatments, which remineralize and strengthen the enamel, making it more resistant to bacteria
- Improved daily oral hygiene, which prevents plaque accumulation and bacteria from lingering in the mouth
More visible and progressed cavities are typically treated with dental composite fillings. The procedure involves:
- Using a drill tool or a laser to remove the infected area of the tooth
- Filling the area with resin composite
- Polishing the filled area to give it a natural enamel-like appearance
Composite or ceramic onlays or inlays might be necessary for larger areas of decay.
Advanced decay that reaches the pulp is typically treated with root canal therapy, which involves:
- Removing the infected pulp of the tooth and cleaning its canals
- Feeling the tooth with a biocompatible material to seal the canal
- Placing a dental crown in cases when the tooth’s structure is significantly weakened by decay
Get High-quality Dental Fillings at Shodhan DHS
If you notice signs of cavities on your teeth, do not postpone an appointment with an experienced dentist at Shodhan DHS. Remember that the sooner you address the issues, the better the chances are of saving your tooth’s structure and preventing the spread of the infection. Our specialists are looking forward to your visit.
