Treating The Stages Of Tooth Decay

Treating The Stages Of Tooth DecayTooth decay is the destruction of your tooth’s structure. It is a progressive condition that will continue to worsen until it is treated. Unlike a cold or sprained ankle, tooth decay will not heal or get better on its own. Treating tooth decay is essential for your oral health. Without treatment, a condition that starts off preventable and fairly easily reversed can become one that can lead to serious infection and tooth loss. Your dental team in Greenville, TX is here to help you treat tooth decay at any stage. 

Reversal at the First Sign

Tooth decay may not have any signs that you would notice. It is not painful and there are very few visible cues. Your dentist, however, is trained to spot the signs of early tooth decay. Routine exams and cleanings allow your dentist to spot tooth decay in an early enough stage for it to be reversed. A good cleaning, fluoride treatments, and improved hygiene at home can all help reverse tooth decay before it damages your tooth.

Filling For a Cavity

Once bacteria continues to attack a tooth’s enamel, it can cause a hole known as a cavity. This hole can give bacteria access to the inner areas of the tooth. A dental filling can be done to both disinfect the tooth and restore it.

Treating Infected Root Canals

If tooth decay continues to go deeper within the tooth, the bacteria can reach the root canals. At this stage, you may notice the issue because you will likely feel a toothache. A root canal treatment can clear any bacteria and restore the tooth.

Last Stop: Extraction

If infection of the root canals is allowed to progress without treatment, there is a risk the bacterial infection can enter the blood stream to attack other areas of your body. An extraction may be necessary to protect your smile and your overall health.

Treating tooth decay can save your smile

Tooth decay, left unchecked, can be a problem for your oral health. To schedule a consultation with Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX call us at 903-455-5750. We proudly serve patients from Hunt County, Greenville, Royce City, Sulphur Springs, and all surrounding communities.