Cavities

What are cavities?

A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when acids and sugars from the foods you eat eliminate the enamel of an adult tooth or baby tooth. 

Cavities can start on the outer surface of the tooth or the top of the chewing surface. They form when you’re not brushing your teeth properly or frequently enough to remove bacteria and acids.

Parks Family Dentistry specializes in the repair of cavities. Dr. Parks also creates a cavity prevention plan for you and your family to protect long-term oral health.

When should I seek treatment for cavities?

Tooth decay that starts on the outer enamel of your teeth may not cause symptoms. If you notice discoloration or feel a hole in one or more teeth, schedule a dental exam at Parks Family Dentistry to prevent tooth decay from worsening.

As the decay moves beyond the enamel and into the deeper parts of your tooth, you may experience symptoms like:

• Toothache
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Bad breath
• Facial swelling

Without treatment, cavities can cause an infection, triggering pain and swelling. Deep cavities can result in a tooth abscess, where a pocket of pus forms near the tooth root. The pain of an abscess can be intense, and the infection can spread into nearby tissues if left untreated.

Dr. Parks completes an oral health exam. She orders dental X-rays to evaluate the painful tooth and identify cavities between the teeth you can’t see.

How are cavities treated?

Dr. Parks may recommend fillings to repair smaller cavities on the surface of your teeth.

You may need a root canal if you have advanced tooth decay or an infection. This procedure allows Dr. Park to remove the tooth pulp and clean out bacteria and infection. She fills the hole and may place a dental crown over the tooth to improve its stability.

When tooth decay is severe, Dr. Parks may recommend an extraction to remove the tooth and replace it with a bridge or dental implant.

Parks Family Dentistry also offers cavity prevention resources for the whole family. Dr. Parks shows you how to brush and floss your teeth. She also provides professional dental cleanings every six months and fluoride treatments to stop cavities before they start.

Call Parks Family Dentistry today to schedule an evaluation for cavities or book an appointment online.