It goes without saying that a major goal many people have is to love the smile they are in and maintain a healthy, youthful appearance. While cosmetic dentistry and a consistent preventive dental routine can make this possible, oral bacteria and other threats may have a different idea. Indeed, it is hard to enjoy your own smile when it becomes riddled with major concerns, but unfortunately, most people are unaware there is even an issue to begin with until it has already progressed. In today’s blog, your Pella, IA dentist explain why tooth decay is a troubling concern, as well as why it is important to get your cavities filled sooner rather than later.
How Decay Develops
Tooth decay and infection are among the most common oral health threats on the planet, and millions of people are affected by it in some shape or form every single year. Not only this, but it exists on a spectrum, in which some conditions are far worse than others. But how exactly does one develop decay?
You see, every smile contains oral bacteria, and our preventive dental routine is what helps keep them at bay. Unfortunately, it is virtually impossible to eliminate them all, and sometimes rogue bacteria nestle in the recesses of the mouth where they feed off of the foods we consume and thrive.
Certain foods in particular, such as sugar, causes these microorganisms to produce a destructive acid that may actively weaken and wear down your teeth. Over time, this causes a small hole known as a cavity to form. To learn more about this process, reach out to our team today.
Potential Consequences
While decay might not pose a significant threat in its earlier stages, bear in mind that the longer you wait to seek treatment, the worse your situation will become. In fact, the infection will cause the cavity to become larger in size, and it will work its way down into the inner portions of your tooth. At this stage, you will begin to notice symptoms or side effects of the phenomenon, including difficulty biting and chewing, increased sensitivity, and sharp pains. Contact our team to schedule your visit and learn more today.
How We Help
While root canal therapy and even extraction are used to treat decay that has progressed significantly, the solution with the highest chances of success includes a composite resin filling. Indeed, it is always better to seek treatment sooner rather than later, and a dental filling at the correct time can remove infection, mitigate damage, and reinforce your natural tooth.
Schedule Your Appointment
To learn more about the need for restorative dentistry and why you should have your cavities filled as soon as possible, contact Allen & Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA by calling 641-628-1121 to schedule your next appointment with our team today.