Are several of your teeth hurting? If the pain is getting difficult to manage and you regularly experience sensitivity when eating something hot or even a bit cold, such as soup or ice cream, you should make your appointment to see the dentist. The sensitivity you are experiencing may be caused by dental decay. Even if you are taking good care of your teeth by brushing and using a mouthwash that eliminates bacteria, decay can still occur. It is a much larger issue than most people realize.

Why Do Teeth Start to Decay?

Although adult teeth are strong, they are also sensitive to certain things. When areas of the teeth are damaged and bacteria gets inside, you can end up with decay. You might have cavities because of the foods you eat and the beverages you consume. Anything that contains sugar can contribute to decay. A carbonated beverage, slice of pie, pasta sauce, or some of your favorite fruits contain sugar that tends to damage the teeth and cause decay. Most people do not want to eliminate sugar from their diets completely. If you are going to drink or eat something that contains sugar, you should brush your teeth right after to prevent the excess sugar from soaking on your teeth and contributing to decay. If you did not realize this in the past, it could be the reason that you currently have some cavities.

What Would a Dentist Do to Treat the Decaying Teeth?

Before having any work done, the dentist needs to look at your teeth and find out which ones are slightly damaged. It is often possible for a dentist to see the decay when performing a traditional cleaning, but the dentist would likely want to take several X-rays of the teeth to check for small cavities between the teeth that are not as easy to detect. After finding out where the cavities are and assessing the severity of the decay, the dentist can go over a treatment plan with you.

Metal or Resin Fillings

If the cavities are small, the dentist may simply need to remove the decaying bits and pieces from the tooth and then place a filling on top of the tooth to cover the hole. Metal fillings were once commonly used, but they are rarely used in adult patients anymore. Resin fillings are the same color as the teeth and they will blend in, making people unaware of any problems you have experienced with your teeth.

Ceramic or Porcelain Crowns

When the damage is too severe and a large portion of the tooth must be removed because of the decay, it is often better to get a crown placed on top of the tooth. This restorative procedure is provided by the dentist. A crown is often custom-made to fit in perfectly with your teeth.

Root Canal Treatment

If the tooth is infected because your tooth's interior is decaying, your dentist would likely need to perform a root canal. During the root canal, the infected pulp gets carefully removed and then the dentist uses a filling to seal any holes on the tooth.

When you have tooth decay, you are going to need to see a dentist at a clinic like AQ Denture and Dental Implant Center for restorative dental procedures. The exact procedure you will need does depend on the overall condition of your teeth. It may be as simple as getting a filling for small cavities that have not yet gotten any worse. If the decay is too bad, you might need to get a dental crown or undergo a root canal to have an infection cleared out. Do not wait to see the dentist because tooth decay can lead to tooth loss and gum disease when it goes untreated.