Valley Dental Health

Cavities

While cavities are most common in children, they can be a problem for adults as well. Cavities form as tooth enamel wears away due to a build-up of plaque and bacteria. There are many ways to prevent cavities from forming, including:

  • Regular visits to the dentist for professional cleaning
  • Brushing twice a day
  • Flossing once a day
  • Eating a healthy diet, limiting sugary snacks and sodas

Dentistry for Drill-Free Cavity Fillings

Thanks to the work of material scientists across the world, the quality of composite materials have made restorations more predictable and long-lasting than ever. But wouldn’t it be nice if cavities can be fixed without drilling and filling?

A lot of attention has been paid recently to the use of bioactive particles to fill microscopic holes that are believed to be one cause of tooth sensitivity. These particles, in addition to fluoride, have been used in pastes to harden teeth and fill the naturally-occurring microscopic holes and therefore reduce tooth sensitivity.

Evidence suggests that these bioactive particles have the potential to reverse cavities.

What is Tooth Cavity?

Most cavities start in the outer layer of the tooth, called the enamel. As acid produced by bacteria breaks down the mineral content of the enamel, a small cavity forms.

The cavity increases in size when bacteria continue to produce acid and the mineral content continues to be broken down. Eventually, the cavity reaches the inner layer of the tooth, called the dentin. At this point, a dentist will have to remove the cavity and fill it.

But if the cavity is caught in its earliest stages during a routine checkup, it is possible that applying the paste or gel that contaings bioactive glass particles can actually reverse the decay process.

This can help us restore the tooth to excellent health without the need for drilling and filling!

While these products are still in development, they offer the potential to reduce overall dental healthcare costs for many patients across the globe. Of course, the success of such therapy still depends on routine cleanings, exams, and radiographs in order to catch the decay in its early stages.

Your team at Valley Dental Health is always exploring better ways to restore your smile to health and function. Please feel free to contact us with any questions regarding your dental health.

Cavities: What to Expect

If you do have a tooth cavity or if your teeth are showing signs of decay, Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat may recommend a number of general dentistry treatments depending on the severity of your situation. The primary goal is to restore the tooth to proper health and minimize the risk of further decay.

Tooth Cavity Symptoms

A dentist can identify cavities usually before you experience symptoms, so it is important to maintain regular dental check-ups. Common symptoms may include:

  • Toothache or tooth pain
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Holes in the teeth
  • Sore gums or bleeding gums

Adult patients can have tooth decay problems, especially around the margins of dental crowns, fillings, and other restorations. Tooth root decay can be a problem for people who have receding gums.

Treating Tooth Cavities

Treatment for tooth cavities often involves a dental filling. Your dentist may either use a composite resin dental filling, porcelain filling, or gold filling. In other cases, the tooth may require a dental crown to restore stability and function.

Cavity FAQs

Can cavities go away on their own?

Cavities cannot, and will not go away on their own. You can slow the process at which the surface of your tooth decays, but you cannot stop it. It is important to have cavities filled so that decay does not occur. A cavity can progress to the point where your dentist must remove your tooth.

How long can I wait until a cavity becomes an issue?

Without treatment, cavities will slowly eat away at your tooth. A dentist may even need to remove it if the decay is severe. This can take anywhere between 6 to 5 years. We recommend having cavities filled as soon as possible once your dentist detects one. This prevents the tooth from continuing to decay and will save the tooth in the long run.

How long does it take to fill a cavity?

The procedure to fill a cavity typically takes around 20-45 minutes, but it can take up to an hour. The time it takes to fill a cavity depends on the size of the cavity, and its location. In some cases, patients will need to have multiple cavities filled. This may cause appointments to take longer than an hour.

Schedule a Dental Exam Today

The best way to prevent tooth cavities is through regular visits to the dentist. Schedule an appointment with the dentists at Valley Dental Health near Hunt Valley, Sparks Phoenix MD. Call (410) 803-5587 or request an appointment online.

Don’t Wait

Book Your Next Dental Appointment With Valley Dental Health.

Reviews

What Our Amazing Patients Say

Kim Abbott
Kim Abbott
2023-10-25

Fantastic place, everyone is very friendly & thorough from the office staff to the dentist . I’m Getting full implants.
They explained everything & answered all of my 900 questions. Every visit is a great experiance , no more anxiety.
I will be going back again ! So happy I found Valley Dental !

Kurt Yearwood
Kurt Yearwood
2023-10-23

Great professional, friendly place . I love everyone there !!

Brittany Murray
Brittany Murray
2023-10-18

The staff are all very friendly and make you feel right at home. I especially love Tiffany at the front desk, she’s the best! I have been coming here for about 6 years now and haven’t had any complaints. I got to meet Dr. Gear and she was fantastic. She took her time to explain the preventive care that was being suggested, answered all of my questions in great detail, and diligently and quickly did my fill in. I highly recommend this dental office!!

Sharareh Atighehchi
Sharareh Atighehchi
2023-10-13

Best in Maryland.

Annette Gardner
Annette Gardner
2023-10-12

Great dentist, great staff ! I gave a great fear of dentist but valley dental is amazing

Margaret Corcoran
Margaret Corcoran
2023-10-12

Every person I encountered in this office was kind and helpful! They bent over backwards to make sure I was comfortable, and Dr Gear is wonderful!
Thanks for all did yesterday to help me!

Michael Nicholson
Michael Nicholson
2023-10-12

A place where you can go and be genuinely appreciated. Every aspect of your procedure is carefully performed and described to. Valley Dental Health is more than worth 1 hour drive I take to get there.

Paul B
Paul B
2023-10-09

I came to Valley Dental 15 Months ago. I had a lot of Dental work to do Dr Rafat and his staff did an excellent job. I am so glad I left my old Dentist and Found Valley Dental. I highly recommend this practice to Anyone.
Best Regards
Paul M Bozman Jr

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