Unraveling the Mystery of Tooth Decay
Have you noticed areas of discoloration on your teeth? Do you experience pain while eating or drinking something hot or cold? You may be suffering from tooth decay! It is believed to be the most prevalent oral problem globally affecting people irrespective of age and gender.
The specialists at the dentist office in San Jose, California, offer a comprehensive approach to treating tooth decay based on its severity. Read on to explore tooth decay, stages, symptoms, and treatment options.
A comprehensive guide to tooth decay and its treatment
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is the destruction of the tooth structure due to the breakdown of its enamel layer. Increased bacterial accumulation, and poor oral hygiene leads to the formation of plaque (soft sticky film covering the tooth surface) that produces harmful acids, toxins, and by-products. These toxins demineralize the hard layer of the tooth, forming tiny holes, pits, or cavities. If left untreated, tooth decay can cause pain, swelling, pulpal infection, and tooth loss.
Stages
There are five stages of tooth decay, namely:
Stage 1: Initial demineralization of the superficial tooth surface
Stage 2: Enamel decay
Stage 3: Dentin decay
Stage 4: Pulp damage
Stage 5: Abscess with or without pus discharge
Symptoms
Symptoms of tooth decay vary depending on the severity of the damage caused. Initial tooth decay exhibits no symptoms except surface discoloration and cavity.
However, advanced tooth decay includes the following symptoms:
- Persistent tooth pain that doesn’t subside even after medication
- Increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, and sugary foods
- Deep cavity
- Difficulty chewing
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Increased gingival swelling, redness, and bleeding.
Treatment
Your dentist may recommend any one of the following treatments based on the extent of decay:
Fluoride Treatment
- This treatment option helps treat mild tooth decay, such as pits and fissures.
- Fluoride helps in the remineralization of the enamel, which can halt tooth decay and prevent further damage.
Dental Fillings
- If you have a typical tooth cavity, a dental filling is an ideal option.
- The dentist will remove the decayed tissues and restore the tooth by using an appropriate filling material or cement.
Root Canal Therapy
- Tooth decay that extends deeper into the pulp requires extensive procedures like root canal therapy.
- The decayed tissue and the entire pulp is removed and replaced with a biocompatible material like gutta-percha.
Tooth extraction
- Tooth decay beyond repair is mostly extracted and replaced with suitable dentures, bridges, or dental implants.
Conclusion
Tooth decay is a widespread condition. It can vary in intensity with five different stages as the infection spreads to the deeper layers. Knowing the symptoms is essential to seek dental care for optimal treatment and oral rehabilitation.