Huffman Smiles

24110 FM 2100 Rd, Ste 102 Huffman, TX 77336
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Dental care

How can I cure my tooth decay?

Whether it is kids or adults, everyone has the risk of getting tooth decay or cavities. There are numerous reasons why people suffer from cavities, and one of the most crucial things that play an important role in this is your eating habit and brushing routine. 

Dental cavities are most commonly characterized by pain and difficulty eating. Untreated gum disease can lead to inflammation, infection, tooth loss, abscess formation, and much more. Therefore, knowing how decay affects your dental health is vital. 

Whether you call it cavity or dental caries, it is all the same, and at the end of the day, this condition should not be ignored. Cavities in the tooth are caused mainly by the bacterial breakdown of the tissues, which are located in the enamel, cementum, and dentin.

So, how can you cure dental cavities or decay? Or can you reverse dental caries? Or what are the steps to stop the oral cavity? If you are seeking answers to the same, then you are at the right place because, in this article, we will discuss everything in detail.

 What are the causes of dental decay?

Before jumping on to the cure, let us start by knowing how dental cavities are caused. A cavity, tooth loss, or even dental abscess can result from tooth decay, which damages your teeth. Dental plaque is home to a variety of species of bacteria that cause this condition.

Sugars in your food can be converted into acids by bacteria in plaque. The acids in plaque can damage your teeth over time if they are allowed to build up, and later they can cause cavities. Therefore, good oral care is essential to prevent the same.

The presence of sugar on the surface of your teeth or plaque build can, over time, turn into tartar or cavity or periodontists in more severe cases. It becomes more difficult to treat tooth erosion once this occurs. And you will require dental assistance for the same.

Can tooth decay be cured or reversed?

Yes, there are various ways in which you can cure or reverse dental cavities. Though,  there are various stages of oral caries like initial demineralization, enamel decay, pulp damage, and abscess, there are many ways to treat them:

  • Use fluoride-based products: The early stage of teeth erosion can be treated with good quality fluoride toothpaste and other products like mouthwash. You must also make it a habit to floss your teeth on a daily basis. 
  • Fillings: Another option is fillings. When the enamel is completely damaged, dental fillings are used by dentists to fill the hole in the affected tooth/teeth.
  • Crown: Crown is also one of the many options you can go for. An oral crown protects the top portion of your teeth that is damaged or has a cavity. Before the crown is placed, the decayed area is removed.
  • Root canal: Next is the root canal. In this option, the affected pulp tissue is removed. After cleaning and filling the cavity, a cap is placed over the top.
  • Teeth removal: Removal of teeth is another option to prevent further decaying. It is usually the last option when the condition reaches the abscess stage. Your dentist has no other option but to pull out your teeth to prevent any other dental complications. 

Some preventative measures to look for

Below is the list of some preventative measures which you can use to stop or cure dental cavities: 

  • Limit sweet intake
  • Drink fluoride-infused water
  • Brush your teeth properly
  • Use mouthwash and flossing thread
  • Avoid smoking 
  • See your dentist at regular intervals

Hope these tips and all the information mentioned in this article will help you to take care of your oral cavity in a better manner.

Categories
Dental care

Which is better, crown or extraction?

One of the most common questions or rather a confusion that people have when they suffer from damaged, broken, or decayed teeth is whether they should get it extracted or they should go for a crown. And the answer to this question mainly depends on the condition of your teeth.

While both these dental treatments are meant to be used under somewhat similar conditions but still both these dental treatments are very different from each other. Therefore, it is always a tough choice to make when conserving your tooth’s natural condition. 

Dental caps and tooth extraction can both help in restoring the quality of your teeth. But tooth removal & extraction involves the removal of the tooth from the back, front, molars, etc. Crowns are identical to the structure of your original teeth, which helps in protecting the natural condition of the teeth if they are slightly cracked or damaged.

Keep reading to know more about extraction and crowns to decide which one you should choose in a specific circumstance.

Why do you need dental crowns, and how does it work? 

Your dentist will suggest you go under the dental cap procedure when you have the following: 

  • Tooth decay
  • Cracked or broken tooth
  • Chipped tooth due to grinding
  • To support dental implants
  • To cover discolored teeth or any stains

A crown is a tooth-like structure or cap used to cover the original tooth. A dental covering or cap is fixed on the top of the damaged tooth and is attached to the remaining part of the original tooth permanently. There are various kinds of dental caps from which you can choose depending on your tooth condition and budget.

A dental cap is made by taking the impression of your original teeth, and in two-three visits to your dentist, you can get your dental cap fixed. 

Why do you need an extraction, and how does it work? 

Your dentist will suggest you go under the tooth extraction procedure when you have the following: 

  • Tooth decay
  • Impaction
  • Gum disease (periodontal disease)
  • Fully broken teeth
  • Trauma
  • Overcrowding

Tooth removal is a standard dental procedure to remove the tooth from the root. Your oral care provider will use anesthesia before the process and remove the teeth depending on the condition.

There are two ways in which the dentist can extract a damaged tooth: simple and surgical tooth removal. You must talk to your dentist before undergoing the tooth removal treatment.

What are the benefits of dental crowns and tooth extraction? 

Below given the benefits of a dental cap: 

  • Custom-made (according to the structure of your teeth)
  • Long-lasting
  • Restore the condition of your original teeth
  • Simple and quick procedure
  • Less discomfort

Below given are the benefits of extraction: 

  • Reduces harmful bacteria from damaged teeth
  • Remove badly decayed teeth from the gums
  • Prevent infections
  • Prevents gum disease (periodontal issues)
  • Protects rest of teeth from getting infected and damaged

Now that you know the benefits of the procedure and when you will need a tooth extraction, and when you will need dental caps, it should be easy for you to decide which one is better. Though, most of the patients prefer dental caps over tooth pull because it prevents their original teeth.

However, it is vital to keep in mind that not every issue can be treated with dental coverage, and you have to get your tooth removed. All in all, whatever you choose, always consult your dentist first for better advice.