FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are Cavities Always Painful?
Although we usually associate cavities with pain, they are not always painful. In fact, many cavities are discovered when people go in for a checkup, and they report feeling no pain at all. That is why it is so important that you get your teeth checked out twice a year, so that a little cavity does not become a big cavity.
How Are Cavities Treated?
It depends on the size of the cavity. The smaller the cavity is, the easier it is to treat. In most cases, the dead tissue within the cavity is taken out, and a filling is put in to maintain the integrity of the tooth. If the cavity is small, this takes almost no time at all. However, if the cavity is large, or has led to a cracked tooth, you may need a crown to fit over what is left of your tooth. The cavity will be taken out, and a crown put on the remainder of your tooth.
How Do Cavities Form?
No matter where they are in your mouth, all cavities form the same way. Food particles and plaque get stuck in your mouth. They form a food source for bacteria to grow on. Those bacteria have acids that eat away at your tooth enamel, which causes a hole in your tooth. Once there is a hole in your tooth, it is easy for a cavity to form.
