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 specific needs to 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 to treat dental cavities promptly 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 center of the tooth. When an infection occurs in the pulp, it can cause you pain and damage your tooth.
A root canal removes all infected tissue and relieves 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 limited lifespan and can cause issues such as 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 one. We will also recommend a crown if your teeth are weakened.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays bridge the gap between fillings and dental crowns. They can cover a larger portion 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 cover 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 tooth’s surface. 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 when severe damage or decay is present. 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 have recovered from the extraction, we will recommend a 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 must be caught at the outset. 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 their intake of sugary foods and drinks. However, adult cavities still happen. Maintaining good oral health can help prevent the need for adult dental treatment for cavities.
How long can you wait to fill a cavity?
It may be easier 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.
- Call our Lancaster location at (661) 948-6700 or request a dental visit to our Lancaster dentist office online.
- Call our East Palmdale location at (661) 273-6565 or request a visit to our East Palmdale dentist office online.
- Call our West Palmdale location at (661) 947-7777 or request a visit to our West Palmdale dental office online.
Please get in touch with us if you have questions about tooth decay and cavity treatment. We will be happy to help.