Biannual dental cleanings and health exams help remove plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque is a sticky bacterial film that can cover the teeth and gums. Over time, plaque hardens to form tartar. Eliminating harmful bacteria from the mouth can reduce the risk of cavities. Dr. Karim Naguib can treat tooth cavities in Lancaster and Palmdale, CA.
During routine dental appointments, Dr. Naguib can provide a personalized dental recommendation based on your particular needs that will benefit your teeth and gums. If you have felt tooth pain and think you may have a cavity, call Premier Dental Care today.
Treating Tooth Cavities in Palmdale and Lancaster, CA
It would be best if you treated dental cavities immediately to prevent the need for costly dental care. There are multiple treatment options for tooth cavities that we offer in our Lancaster and Palmdale, CA offices:
Root Canal
We recommend a root canal treatment when the inside of your tooth becomes infected. A soft tissue called the dental pulp is at the tooth’s center. When infection occurs in the pulp, it can cause you pain and damage your tooth.
A root canal removes all of this infected tissue and eases the pressure and pain you’re experiencing. The dentist will fill the space with a biocompatible material. The dentist will then cap the tooth with a crown to rebuild its strength.
Dental Fillings
Tooth fillings are a typical procedure for dental cavities. Our office uses a white composite filling material that will match your natural teeth. This material helps stabilize the tooth and strengthen the area damaged by tooth decay. Old metal fillings have a certain lifespan and can cause issues like tooth sensitivity. Our office can replace these metal fillings with composite ones.
We will cover a large dental filling with a crown if you have a large dental filling. We will also recommend a crown if you have weakened teeth.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays bridge the gap between fillings and dental crowns. They can cover a more significant part of the tooth than fillings, but not the entire tooth.
Inlays repair decay or damage on the biting surface of the tooth. Onlays extend to take care of the tooth’s cusps or sides. Inlays and onlays are made of the same materials as dental fillings. They are also separate pieces that we bond to the top of the tooth. We may recommend inlays and onlay if you have small pits or holes that do not expose the inside of your tooth.
Tooth Extractions
We always do our best to save your natural teeth. But tooth extraction may be the best option for oral health for severe damage or decay. A large tooth cavity or severe dental infection may damage your tooth to the extent that we cannot save it with a root canal.
Our dentist will complete an examination to ensure that extraction is the right choice. During tooth removal, we numb the area. If we perform a simple extraction, we slowly rock the tooth back and forth to break the attachment. We will recommend sedation if you require longer extraction treatment. Once you are healed from the extraction, we will recommend treatment to replace your missing teeth.
Tooth Cavity FAQs
Learn about tooth cavity treatment in Palmdale, CA, with answers to these patient questions:
Can small cavities go away on their own?
Occasionally, we can reverse small cavities with outstanding oral hygiene. However, these have to be caught at the onset. This is what makes regular dental visits essential. Our dentist must catch the cavity before the patient can notice it.
What happens if I don’t get a cavity filled?
As with many things, the more you let a cavity go, the worse the outcome will be. Tooth decay can spread throughout your tooth and to surrounding teeth. You will need a root canal to remove the infection if it gets to the dental pulp. You may need to replace the entire tooth if left alone long enough.
Do adults typically get cavities?
Adults may not get as many cavities as children. This is true if they drink enough water and reduce sugary foods and drinks in their diet. However, adult cavities still happen. Making sure you keep up with your oral health can prevent the need to treat cavities as an adult.
How long can you wait to fill a cavity?
It may be simpler for harmful bacteria to attack the tooth enamel or outer layer of the tooth in some people than in others. It can take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity requires treatment. Each individual’s oral health changes at a different rate. However, it’s essential to schedule an appointment sooner rather than later if you think you have a cavity.
How do you know if a cavity has reached the nerve?
There are several main signs that your cavity has reached the nerve:
- Toothaches
- Sensitivity to temperature
- Tooth discoloration
- Gum swelling and tenderness
If you experience any of these symptoms, call our office today. We can help diagnose and treat your cavity in a single appointment.
Can tooth cavities spread to surrounding teeth?
Cavities do not spread to other teeth. However, if you have a cavity, tooth decay is more likely to spread to other teeth. The same conditions that cause a cavity in one tooth will likely cause cavities in others. This does not mean that cavities spread. Instead, your mouth has harmful bacteria that can create cavities in other teeth.
Get a Dental Exam Online Today
Treat your tooth cavity in our Palmdale or Lancaster, CA offices to prevent future dental problems. Contact our Lancaster, CA, dentist office at (661) 948-6700 or schedule a dental visit to our Lancaster dentist office online. You can also call our Palmdale, CA, dentist office at (661) 273-6565 or schedule a visit to our Palmdale dentist office online.
Please get in touch with us if you have questions about tooth decay and cavity treatment. We will be happy to help.