Cavities and Fillings in San Antonio
Cavities are one of the most common dental issues, and occur when the enamel of a tooth starts to decay. Cavities often appear as small soft spots on an otherwise hard tooth. Cavities can form for many reasons, such as too much dietary sugar, acidic foods and drinks, acid reflux, inadequate brushing/flossing, genetics, and long gaps between dental hygiene visits. Once cavities form they tend to spread, unless they are treated.
FAQs About Cavities and Fillings
Wouldn’t my tooth hurt if I had a cavity?
Cavities are an excellent example of why six-month check-ups are important. Small cavities are easily treated with a filling. Most people will not feel pain until a tooth has decayed all the way down to the nerves, at which point you might need more extensive treatment like a root canal. Routine check-up at Bluebonnet Family Dental can prevent and catch problems that would cost you time and money in the long-run.
How is tooth decay treated?
Small cavities can be treated by removing the decayed portion of the tooth, and filling it with a tooth-colored material (often referred to as composite) that bonds to your existing tooth and is nearly invisible to most people. We will match your filling to the color of your other teeth to preserve a natural looking smile. This process will stop the decay from continuing to worsen. Larger cavities might be better treated with a crown. Each cavity is different, so we will discuss which option is best for your specific needs.