Signs You Might Have a Cavity

No one wants a cavity. Cavities can cause pain, discomfort, and, of course, a trip to the dentist. Still, it’s important to be seen by the dentist as soon as possible.

Cavities that go untreated can potentially turn into dental infections, and when that happens, a root canal is the solution. As your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, we offer cavity filings that can help protect your teeth. Our amalgam and composite fillings are good solutions to unwanted tooth decay.

It’s important to recognize the signs you have a cavity. Knowing that you have a dental problem can help you get the treatment you need from the dentist.

Signs You Might Have a Cavity

A toothache is one of the most obvious signs that you might have a cavity. You might notice the toothache as an ongoing, constant problem or as a problem that comes and goes. Your tooth may hurt when you eat or drink something sweet or when you bite down. You may also notice that your tooth hurts when you eat or drink something hot.

There are other signs of cavities to know about, including:

  • Hole in your tooth
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Discoloration on the tooth enamel (brown or black)

If you’ve noticed any of the above problems, see your dentist at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry. We help patients get treatment for their dental caries.

Amalgam Vs. Composite Fillings

When you come in for a dental filling, you’ll be given a choice of amalgam or composite fillings. Amalgam fillings are an old dental tool for filling cavities. They’re long-lasting and effective. Composite fillings are tooth-colored, so they’re almost impossible to see.

Think you need a cavity filling in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY? Call today to make your next appointment.

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What’s the Difference Between A Cavity and a Dental Infection?

Cavities and dental infections aren’t actually that different from one another, although one of them is far more serious than the other. The most important to remember is that if you have a dental health problem, whether it’s a cavity or an infection, it’s important to get it treated as soon as possible. Both problems can lead to pain and loss of a permanent tooth if the problems aren’t corrected.

Your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, can help. We offer fillings and help patients with treatment for dental infections. This is what you should know.

What’s a Cavity?

A cavity is a hole in your tooth enamel. Cavities are caused by tooth decay due to a combination of poor oral hygiene practices, bacteria in the mouth, and too much sugar consumption. People who drink sugary sodas and snack on treats may experience more cavities.

What’s a Dental Infection?

A dental infection is something that can happen when a cavity goes untreated for a long time. As the tooth decay grows, it can reach the tender pulp inside the tooth. Eventually, that pulp can become infected. Dental infections are very painful. Eventually, an infected tooth may need to be extracted if it’s not treated.

How Are They Treated?

Dental cavities are treated with fillings. Dental fillings in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, take two forms: amalgam (silver fillings) and composite (tooth colored). Talk to your dentist at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry about these two options to decide which one you prefer.

If you have a dental infection, you’ll need a root canal. A root canal is an emergency procedure your dentist will use to clean the tooth and protect the remaining enamel.

Have questions? Think you might have a cavity or a dental infection? Call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry today for treatment.