Cavities are one of the most prevalent dental issues dentists encounter, consisting of holes formed by decay in a tooth’s enamel that cause discomfort when eating hot and cold items, or drinking beverages with temperature extremes.

Mesa dentists offer tooth-colored fillings made of porcelain or composite as a fast, simple and cosmetically beneficial way to repair cavities in teeth.

Pain

Most people associate “dental caries” with cavities – holes caused by food acids, bacteria, or plaque that break down enamel. Over time this damage may lead to toothache and needing the cavity filled by your dentist.

Cavities can be detected early and fixed with regular visits to a dentist for teeth cleanings and x-rays – at least every six months – as visiting the dentist for cleanings can also provide important early warning signs and reduce further dental problems later on. Early treatment also reduces future pain as filling cavities helps protect against more serious dental conditions down the line.

As more time passes without getting your cavity treated, its severity worsens. Not only can it cause pain, but permanent damage may occur that necessitates root canal therapy – making treatment cheaper and simpler than leaving it until later. Brigham Dental Care dentists specialize in early diagnosis and treatment for minor cavities so you don’t end up in severe discomfort later. They recommend brushing and flossing properly to remove plaque build-up that could potentially contribute to future cavities.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity occurs when one or more teeth are exposed to external factors such as hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and beverages that expose their root. The pain that results is sudden and intense – sometimes when brushing or other dental tools touch them directly! Luckily this kind of sensitivity can typically be resolved with proper dental hygiene practices and regular trips to see your dentist.

Sensitive teeth may result from thin enamel that exposes dentin, the soft, porous layer filled with nerve fibers of each tooth, to external stimuli. When exposed, dentin causes pain when subjected to temperature variations (hot and cold) or brushing.

Aging causes natural enamel to thin over time. Furthermore, habits like teeth grinding or clenching – often done subconsciously while sleeping – can further diminish this natural protective shield over time. If this is your issue, contact your dentist about getting a mouth guard to stop grinding your teeth and protect your enamel from further wear-and-tear.

Reasons a person may experience tooth sensitivity include receding gums, certain medications (heartburn drugs for instance), acidic mouthwashes and cracked or chipped teeth.

If a tooth becomes sensitive and begins causing pain or discomfort after certain stimuli, it’s wise to visit your dentist immediately. He or she will be able to assess its source and suggest appropriate solutions.

Tooth fillings are one of the most frequently utilized treatments for tooth sensitivity. This process typically includes numbing the area before drilling into an affected tooth to clear away bacteria and debris before inserting a filling. If there is infection present, your dentist may also suggest performing a root canal, and will inform you accordingly.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, more commonly referred to as periodontitis, is a painful condition caused by bacteria producing toxins in plaque (pronounced: PLAK). These toxins irritate and inflame gum tissue which leads to more plaque forming as the bacteria continues to reproduce – eventually wearing away at soft tissues and bones that support your teeth; without intervention this condition could eventually result in tooth loss.

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and can result in red, swollen gums that bleed easily. Gingivitis can be reversed with regular professional dental cleanings, good oral hygiene and diet choices.

Over time, plaque can harden into calculus and become difficult to remove with brushing or flossing alone. A more serious type of calculus known as subgingival calculus forms under your gum tissue and appears black; only visible by using special magnifying equipment can it be detected.

Periodontitis refers to the advanced stages of gum disease. Here, bacteria seep below your gum line and attack ligaments and soft tissues supporting your teeth, eventually leading to your gums pulling away from them and creating pockets where bacteria hide from toothbrushes and flossers alike. Left untreated, this condition could reach its more advanced state resulting in pain, bad breath and looser appearance of teeth.

Periodontitis can never be completely reversed, but its symptoms can be managed through treatment. Your dentist will recommend various strategies such as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning of teeth) or gingival grafting (in which healthy gum tissue is sewn onto receded areas of receding gums), antibiotic mouthwashes/gels or laser therapy as ways of slowing infection and encouraging gum tissue regeneration; in severe cases surgical intervention may also be required.

Tooth Loss

Tooth decay can be caused by many different things, including drinking sugary beverages or snacking on too much candy, not brushing teeth regularly enough, or not visiting a dentist regularly enough for cleanings & exams. Once it starts developing in deeper layers it can eventually cause discomfort as well as infection; but with good oral hygiene habits like regular brushing & flossing sessions as well as eating a nutritious diet alongside visiting the dentist for professional cleanings & exams it should be preventable.

Root canal treatment may become necessary in extreme cases when cavities become severe enough that infection begins spreading rapidly. Although painful and costly, root canal procedures provide the best means of protecting one’s health from further infections. During a root canal procedure, damaged teeth are cleaned out and filled with protective filling material before receiving a dental crown to restore and protect them further.

If a cavity goes untreated in time, bacteria in your mouth could spread to the roots of the tooth and eventually result in abscesses and even tooth loss. Losing one’s permanent teeth is more than an inconvenience; it can have detrimental repercussions for self-esteem and quality of life overall. Therefore, if you experience toothache immediately consult a dentist who may perform root canal or other appropriate treatment.

Mesa Dental can assist with cavity removal in Mesa Arizona by offering restorative dentistry solutions such as Invisalign clear aligners to correct misalignment and spacing issues without traditional metal braces; we also provide tooth-colored composite fillings that blend in seamlessly with natural enamel & look fantastic in any smile. Contact us now to book a consultation session!