What Is a Cavity and How Is It Treated?

Posted on July 8, 2015

When you were a kid, your parents probably nagged you about how important it is to brush your teeth after you eat. Maybe you didn’t listen as well as you should have and even lost a few baby teeth to cavities. Many people still think that cavities are just something kids get, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

As adults, we’re even more at risk for cavities because of how busy our daily lives are. The mad dash to the office in the morning and late dinner amidst everything else going on can make it difficult to do even simple things like brushing your teeth twice a day. Thankfully, San Francisco dental filling expert and dentist, Dr. Antigone Skoulas offers flexible appointment times to fit your schedule so minor dental problems don’t turn into big ones.
 

How Cavities Form

When food particles are allowed to remain on your teeth, the natural bacteria in your mouth can turn them into acids. Eventually, these bacteria and acids combine with food debris and your saliva to create plaque, which clings to your teeth. The acids in plaque work to dissolve the protective enamel of your teeth and create small holes called cavities.

Regular brushing and flossing, plus regular dental visits, can prevent the buildup of plaque, but once cavities form, they can become infected and lead to more severe dental issues. Some indicators that you have a cavity are:

• Tooth pain
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet food and drink
• Visible discoloration, pits, or holes in the teeth

Treatment With Dental Fillings

If you have a cavity but the damage to your tooth isn’t severe enough to require extraction, a dental filling can be used to preserve the structure of the tooth and prevent infection. During the filling procedure, the decayed portion of your tooth will be removed, along with any bacteria and debris, then the filling will be placed.

Fillings can be made of a variety of materials, including silver, gold, porcelain, and tooth-colored composites. The choice of material for your filling largely depends on personal preference and the severity of the cavity being filled. Costs can vary widely between materials, but we make every effort to maximize your insurance coverage while striving to provide the best possible results.

Think you might have cavities? San Francisco dental fillings expert Dr. Antigone Skoulas can restore your teeth and prevent further damage. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.