Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a common oral health problem that is easy to correct. Unfortunately, many people with a cavity either don’t know they have one or choose to avoid the dentist when they know something is wrong. At Manhattan Beach Dental Solutions in Manhattan Beach, CA, Dr. Don Mungcal and his team are focused on helping patients avoid tooth decay and gently correcting it as soon as it arises.

Understanding Tooth Decay

Tooth decay can show itself in the form of cavities and steadily grow into infections, dental abscesses, or gum disease. Caught early, the problematic area can be successfully treated and the side effects of the decay can be minimized before spreading.

It’s important to understand where tooth decay comes from, why you may be prone to it, and what can be done to stop it.

• Causes of tooth decay: Tooth decay comes from the acids in plaque that build up on teeth and eat away at the same area of a tooth over time.
• Who gets the most cavities: There are many potential reasons for cavities, including weak or thin tooth enamel, frequent snacking, a reliance on sugary drinks, poor teeth cleaning at home, and skipping regular professional teeth cleanings.
• Ways to stop tooth decay: Sealants, fluoride treatments, regular x-rays, and more frequent cleanings by your dental hygienist are excellent ways to ward off tooth decay.

There may not be any tooth decay symptoms when a cavity is small, which makes regular visits to the dentist so important. A professional will see problem areas on your teeth before you can recognize any issues, which means you can get early treatment and avoid unnecessary pain and dental complications.

Restorative Dentistry for Tooth Decay

There are several ways to correct a decaying tooth. Your dentist will conduct an examination of your oral health, take digital x-rays, and make recommendations about the most effective, long-lasting solution based on the depth and breadth of the decay, the pain you’re experiencing, and your overall oral health.

• Tooth-colored filling: This is the most common solution for a small- to medium-sized cavity. The fillings are made of a tooth-colored composite so when the restoration is complete, the tooth looks completely natural and blends in with the rest of your teeth.
• Root canal therapy: The deepest tooth decay can delve into the roots of a tooth and cause a painful infection. In cases like this, root canal therapy is needed to save the tooth and eliminate discomfort.
• Porcelain crowns: After root canal therapy, a porcelain crown caps the treated tooth to prevent further problems from developing and to stabilize it and ensure that it’s the right size tooth to blend with the rest of your teeth. For some patients, a crown is the solution instead of a filling – very large cavities are better treated with a crown to get a tooth back to normal.
• Extraction: A tooth that is tremendously compromised by tooth decay, so much so that it cannot be fixed with any of the above procedures, will need to be extracted. This is always a last resort for any dentist, who does their very best to help patients keep their natural teeth.

Get a Cavity Filled in Manhattan Beach

At Manhattan Beach Dental Solutions, it doesn’t matter what kind of tooth decay you’re dealing with, we are prepared to address any type of dental problem quickly and efficiently. The goal is always to save as much of your natural tooth as possible and reinforce it with the right kind of dental restoration.

If you are experiencing tooth pain and suspect that you have decay, don’t wait until your next teeth cleaning to be seen. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out what’s going on with your oral health.