When it comes to getting dental treatment, many people push it off. There are many reasons why patients may delay treatment, including insufficient funds, insecurity about the medical necessity, and even going on a vacation. Although these may seem like legitimate reasons, getting treatment when the issue is diagnosed is important to avoid further decay.
Diagnosis of Decay
Dentists can detect tooth decay by:
- Locating teeth with pain and sensitivity
- Evaluating your mouth and teeth
- Checking for soft areas on your teeth with dental probes
- Examining dental X-rays
Decay is an Active Process
The biggest reason we recommend patients get treatment as soon as decay is diagnosed is because decay is an active process. When someone is diagnosed with any varying degree of decay, over time the decay will worsen. Although preventative measures like brushing and flossing twice a day are important and can help prevent decay, getting semi-annual checkups is crucial.
Treatment
Regular checkups help identify cavities and other dental conditions before they cause troubling symptoms and lead to more serious problems. The sooner you seek care, the better your chances are of reversing the earliest stages of tooth decay and preventing its progression. If a cavity is treated before it starts causing pain, you probably won’t need extensive treatment.
There are three different types of cavities, and they are treated using the following methods:
- Fluoride treatments: In the very early stages, a fluoride treatment may help restore your tooth’s enamel and can sometimes reverse a cavity. Professional fluoride treatments contain more fluoride than the amount found in tap water, toothpaste, and mouth rinses.
- Fillings: Fillings are a good treatment option when decay has progressed beyond the earliest stage. Fillings are made of various materials, such as tooth-colored composite resins.
- Crowns: For extensive decay or weakened teeth, you may need a crown. A crown is a custom-fitted covering that replaces your tooth’s entire natural crown. Crowns may be made of stainless steel, gold, high-strength porcelain, resin, porcelain fused to metal, or other materials.
- Root canals: When decay reaches the inner material of your tooth, you may need a root canal. This is a treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth instead of removing it. The diseased tooth pulp is removed, and medication is sometimes put into the root canal to clear any infection. Then the pulp is replaced with a filling.
- Tooth extractions: Some teeth become so severely decayed that they can’t be restored and must be removed. Having a tooth pulled can leave a gap that allows your other teeth to shift. It is highly recommended to get a bridge or a dental implant to replace the missing tooth.
Delayed Treatment
Although getting treatment may not seem like a pressing issue, it should be. Seeking immediate treatment for decaying teeth will help preserve the integrity of your existing teeth. If you’re experiencing pain or sensitivity in your teeth, make an appointment with us as soon as possible. We also accept walk-ins up to an hour and a half prior to closing.
Treatment During This Time
Getting treatment during this time with the coronavirus should still be a priority. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, you should call our office in Richmond, TX, at 281 238 4454 to try to be seen. Fillings, crowns, root canals, and tooth extractions are among the treatments that would be considered emergency dental care.