Do I have a cavity?
If you are experiencing sudden sensitivity or a sharp shooting pain in your tooth, you may have a tooth cavity. Dental caries are a common dental health concern. Most people will develop tooth decay at some point in their lives.
A result of poor oral hygiene and diet, tooth decay may be preventable in most cases.Â
Left untreated, tooth decay can lead to more complex and advanced oral health conditions. Advanced tooth decay can interfere with the comfort and function of your bite. Patients with tooth decay are more likely to develop gum disease and tooth loss. Treating tooth decay early on keeps your smile stable and healthy.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Brushing and flossing twice a day is the cornerstone of oral health. Brushing and flossing are essential for preventing the build-up of plaque and tartar. At home oral hygiene removes debris and helps to keep oral bacteria in check. Good oral hygiene can often prevent the development of tooth decay and keep your smile healthy and strong.
In addition to at home oral hygiene visiting our Manassas, VA dentist office at least two times a year will help to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Routine dental exams allow for early diagnosis and conservative treatment. Dr. Hassan will screen your smile for any signs of developing tooth decay to prevent further damage to your oral health.
Your diet also has a huge impact on your oral health. An increase in sugar in the American diet has lead to a spike in tooth decay and other oral diseases. Drinking plenty of water and limiting your sugar and carbohydrate intake can help reduce your risk of tooth decay. If you do indulge in a sugary snack, brush your teeth after you are done eating. Preventing sugar and food debris build-up can decrease your risk of tooth decay.
Treating A Tooth Cavity
Sometimes, even the most diligent brushers and dedicated dentist visitors still develop tooth decay. Routine visits will help catch tooth decay early allowing Dr. Hassan to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible.
If diagnosed early on in development tooth decay can be conservatively repaired using a dental filling. Tooth decay is progressive, and left untreated can damage the structure of the tooth allowing bacteria to enter the pulp of the tooth.
Once infected, the tooth pulp must be removed using a procedure known as a root canal. A severely decayed tooth may need to be extracted in order to restore the health of your smile.
Dr. Hassan provides comprehensive dentistry for maintaining your best smile. Our office offers cosmetic white dental fillings, root canals and tooth extractions and full-service dental implants for the restoration of your smile. If you are looking for highly skilled general dentist contact our Manassas, VA dentist office at (703) 335-1020.