The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible - Arthur C. Clarke
Cavities are basically holes that form in the hard surface of a tooth when a bacterium breaks down the tooth’s natural defenses. Cavities are the most common form of tooth decay worldwide and are one of the few dental health issues that affect all races, classes, and cultures. There are many contributing factors to the onset of tooth decay and cavities such as poor dental hygiene, improper diet, environmental factors such as the quality of water, and, in some cases, genetic factors. Seeing a Stockton Dentist on a regular basis can go a long way toward improving your chances of staving off cavities and tooth decay.
For the most part the initial signs of tooth decay will not be immediately noticeable to the untrained eye. Pain is not always an immediate symptom as most of the time the decay takes time before it reaches the nerves and roots of the teeth that would be able to send the pain signal to the brain. Often there are no visual signs that can be immediately detected either. This is why seeing a Stockton Dental professional on a regular basis is recommended. A dental professional will be able to see the signs that you are unable to determine and will be able to execute a plan of action that will save you a great deal of time, money and discomfort in the long run.
Some of the issues that are associated with cavities and tooth decay include the following; unsightly black holes in teeth, severe pain, the rotting and loss of teeth, infection of the gums and/or jaw, and, in some rare instances, death. While cavities may be a common occurrence they should not be taken lightly as they can have very serious consequences when left untreated. Prevention is the best course of action but even it is not fool-proof and most people will need to seek treatment for a cavity at some point in their lives.
Most cavities can be treated in the early stages by being “filled” in using amalgam, composite resin, porcelain or gold. These materials are sturdy enough to fill in the gap created by tooth decay and to keep the bacteria out of the area to stave off further infection and disintegration. When cavities are left untreated more strident action may be necessary in the form of oral surgeries or even complete removal of the tooth.
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