Pasadena Texas General Dentistry
If right now you feel a hole in your tooth, but it doesn’t hurt yet (or does it?). You are thinking, “I can wait a little while before getting this fixed. After all, it doesn’t hurt.” Right? WRONG! Teeth can be complicated! There is a nerve in the middle of your tooth, and it is surrounded by two substances called dentin (middle of the tooth), and enamel (outside of the tooth). These are the hardest substances in your body, even harder than your bones! It takes a while for bacterial acid to eat through the tooth causing a cavity.
When the bacteria reach the nerve, there is extreme pain.
This is why it’s important to get a cavity fixed BEFORE it hurts.
So, how do you fix the tooth? If it is not hurting then a simple filling may be possible.
If significant tooth structure is missing then a crown is needed.
If the tooth is already hurting then a root canal followed by a crown is warranted.
A small dental cavity can often be fixed quickly and easily with a simple filling. During this procedure, the decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and the area is cleaned to eliminate bacteria. The dentist then restores the tooth’s shape and function by filling the cavity with a durable material, such as composite resin. This minimally invasive treatment preserves most of the natural tooth structure and stops the decay from progressing.
However, leaving a cavity untreated can lead to serious dental problems. As the cavity grows, it can compromise the structural integrity of the tooth. If the decay becomes too extensive, a dental crown may be required. A crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, providing protection and restoring its function. While effective, crowns involve more extensive preparation and are more costly than fillings.
If the decay progresses even further and reaches the inner pulp of the tooth, a root canal may become necessary. This procedure involves removing the infected pulp, thoroughly cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it to prevent further infection. A root canal can save the tooth, but it is more complex and time-intensive than treating a small cavity.
The best way to avoid these complications is through regular dental check-ups. Routine visits allow your dentist to identify and treat cavities early, preventing them from growing into larger, more expensive problems. At Michael Nugent DDS in Pasadena and Deer Park, Texas, we are dedicated to helping you maintain optimal oral health. Don’t wait—schedule your next dental check-up today! Don’t let a small dental problem become a dental emergency. Our Pasadena, Texas Dental office will get you back on track with your dental health. Call us today at 713-941-8261 or come by 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena, Texas 77504. We encourage you to see why Dr. Nugent has been voted best dentist in Pasadena, Texas multiple times.