People of all ages develop cavities, and those cavities can quickly destroy a person’s teeth. It is essential individuals are aware of the signs of cavities so they can know when they need to schedule an appointment at a West Vancouver dental Clinic. With prompt care, a person’s tooth can be saved.

Signs of Cavities

When a cavity starts in a tooth, individuals may not be aware of the problem right away. Unfortunately, cavities can progress and cause serious damage. The following are some of the most common signs a person may experience when a cavity is developing in their tooth.

  • One of the first signs a person will experience with a cavity is tooth pain. Once tooth pain begins occurring, the cavity has begun to eat through the tooth, affecting the nerve tissue.
  • Another sign of cavities is dark or white spots on the teeth. These spots should not be ignored. As the tooth tissue breaks down, discolorations will begin to occur.
  • Individuals may also experience foul breath when they have a cavity. The foul breath will worsen as the cavity progresses. If the cavity grows severe, an infection can set in and cause putrid breath.
  • When individuals have a cavity, the gum tissue around their tooth may begin to swell, become red, and drain pus. If pus drainage appears, an infection is present.

If a person has noticed any of the above signs, they need to seek a dental appointment right away. Waiting too long will only cause the cavity to worsen. Cavities found in their early stages are much easier to treat and rarely cause any major complications.

What to Expect from Cavity Treatment?

Many people get a little nervous when learning they have a cavity. It is important to note that cavity treatments are straightforward. Most people experience no pain and only mild discomfort as their tooth is repaired.

The dentist will first numb the tooth so the process is easy for the individual to go through. Once the area around the tooth is numb, the dentist will use special tools to remove the decay. Removing the decayed material leads to an opening that needs to be filled.

The dentist will offer options for fillings. In the past, amalgam fillings were the only ones available. Today, people can choose ceramic fillings that match the tooth’s color, allowing the repair to blend with the remainder of the tooth.

Schedule a Dental Appointment Right Away

Waiting to get dental help can cause major problems with a person’s oral health. Cavities can sometimes spread to other teeth because the conditions for the decay are not changed.

Prompt treatment from the dentist will help to remove the decayed areas so the tooth can be saved. Once a tooth has been filled, the filling should last around seven to ten years, depending on the type. Amalgam fillings can last even longer.

Those who are dealing with the unwelcome signs of cavities should call and schedule a dental appointment right away. Allow the dentist to determine what treatment needs to be carried out to protect against further damage.