Emerson Family Dentistry
Take Care of All Your Dental Needs at Emerson Dental Associates in New Jersey
Occasionally during an annual dental cleaning or check-up at your local Emerson NJ dentist office, your dentist will find and fill a cavity. But what exactly is a cavity? A cavity is a hole in the tooth that is caused by decay. Tooth decay is the destruction of tooth structure, affecting both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin (the inner layer of the tooth). Tooth decay occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) are left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth digest these foods, turning them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth called cavities, or caries.
Who Gets Cavities?
Bergen County Emerson Dentist
Many people think cavities only affect children, but as your Emerson NJ dentist will tell you, it doesn’t matter how old you may be, you are still susceptible to cavities. Recession of the gums, a common incident in adults, often associated with an increased incidence of gingivitis or gum disease, can expose tooth roots to plaque. Also, sugary food cravings in pregnant women can make them more vulnerable to developing cavities.
Decay around the edges of old cavity fillings is also common in older adults. With the new advances in modern preventive dental care, many older adults lacked the benefits of fluoride and stronger dental fillings. Over the years, these fillings may weaken and can fracture, allowing bacteria to accumulate in the tiny crevices causing tooth decay.
Dental Check-ups Emerson NJ
Your Bergen County dentist can discover cavities during your regular dental check-up. The tooth surface feels soft when probed by your dentist with a dental instrument. X-rays can also show cavities before they become visible to the eye.
In advanced stages of tooth decay, you might experience a toothache, especially after consuming sweet, hot, or cold foods or drinks. Other signs of tooth decay are visible pits or holes in the teeth.
Treating a Cavity with Emerson Dentist Dr. Martini
There are a number of different treatments for cavities depending on the extent of tooth decay. If decay is not extensive, the decayed portion of the tooth is removed by drilling and replaced with a filling made of silver alloy, gold, porcelain, or a composite resin.
If the tooth decay is extensive and there is limited tooth structure remaining,crowns will be used. If a crown is needed, the decayed or weakened area of the tooth is removed and repaired and a crown is fitted over the remainder of the tooth. Crowns are made from gold, porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal.
Prevent Cavities at Our Bergen County Dentist Office
The best defense against cavities is good oral hygiene, including brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing and rinsing. Your body’s own saliva is also an excellent cavity fighter, because it contains special chemicals that rinse away many harmful materials. Chewing a good sugarless gum will stimulate saliva production between brushing. Special sealants and varnishes can also be applied to stave off cavities from forming.
Lastly, be sure to stay up to date with your appointments with the best dentists in Emerson New Jersey, Dr. Robert Martini and Dr. James Ruggerio. If you suspect you may have a cavity or have any general dentistry question, please visit Emerson Dental Associates!