Tooth Cavities – What is cavity cleaning?
Our teeth have three layers, and the tooth cavities begin from the outside layer. A cavity starts as a small hole in the tooth surface. There is a hole in the tooth because of the bacterial accumulation over the tooth surface. Regular oral hygiene is hence essential for preventing such problems. But do we have a treatment option for tooth cavities? Yes, we have a solution for it. The answer to the problem is cavity cleaning and filling. Now, if you are confused about what is cavity cleaning? Then read the information provided below, which was brought to you by Oris Smiles Dental Clinic Ahmedabad.
What is Tooth Decay?
Regular cleaning and oral hygiene are essential for preventing bacteria from the tooth surface. Inefficient cleaning can lead to bacterial accumulation, which feeds on food debris to produce acid. The acid dissolves the tooth structure to form a tooth cavity.
Symptoms of Tooth Cavities
- Tooth pain
- Sensitivity
- Visible hole in the surface
- Black spot on the tooth
Complications of tooth decay
- Chronic tooth pain
- Pus formation in and around the tooth
- Spread of infection to the surrounding tissues
- Loss of tooth structure
- Difficulty in chewing the food
Risk Factors
- Poor oral hygiene
- Consumption of too many sugar-loaded food items
- Excessive consumption of acidic beverages
- Insufficient fluoride intake
- Xerostomia or dry mouth
- Eating disorders like overeating or undereating
- Reflux disorders like GERD
What is cavity cleaning?
Cavity cleaning involves removing debris and bacteria from the tooth cavity. It is then followed by restoring the teeth with a suitable filling that prevents reinfection. The process of cavity cleaning depends on the stage of the tooth cavity. If the damage is limited to the first two layers, the cavity is cleaned and filled with a tooth-colored dental filling. If the damage is severe and involves the third layer, we need root canal treatment for cavity cleaning.
Let us briefly discuss both restoration and root canal treatment.
Tooth Decay Treatment- What is cavity cleaning?
Cavity cleaning is mainly done to restore the tooth with a dental filling. The infection has spread to the root canal space in severe cases, and we need deep cavity cleaning. RCT is followed by sealing the cavity with a biocompatible material to prevent reinfection. The RCT-treated teeth are given tooth caps to avoid fractures.
Dental fillings
Tooth-colored fillings are an aesthetic alternative to the traditional silver fillings. The decayed portion is removed, and the cavity is cleaned thoroughly before filling. The fillings naturally resemble the tooth in shape, size, and color.
RCT
Root canal treatment, or RCT, is a deep cavity cleaning disinfecting the root canal space. Special instruments, called files, remove the infected portion to clean the cavity effectively. Once thoroughly cleaned, the space is filled with dental filling material and sealers. Dental crowns are placed on top of the tooth to prevent future damage.
Bottom line
Cavity cleaning is disinfecting the tooth cavity and restoring the tooth. In the initial stages of damage, a tooth-colored filling is advised. In the advanced stages, we need RCT for cavity cleaning. To learn which stage your tooth cavity is in, book your appointment with our smile experts at Oris Smiles Dental Clinic Ahmedabad.
