Decay is one of the most common dental problems our Yorba Linda, CA, family dentist Dr. Richard Hamaty diagnoses and treats. Dental decay can happen to anyone, from toddlers to seniors. To prevent this problem it’s important that you are brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. Maintaining good oral hygiene is paramount to a cavity-free smile.
Schedule a Dental Cleaning
When was the last time you visited your dentist in Yorba Linda, CA? If you can’t remember then chances are good that it’s been too long. You should be getting routine dental cleanings every six months. Even if you’ve never had a cavity before and you aren’t experiencing any symptoms it’s still important to see your dentist twice a year.
After all, sometimes decay and gum disease may be present but not cause any symptoms. Luckily, a simple dental exam is all we will need to be able to detect these problems so you can get the treatment you need.
About Dental Fillings
A dental filling is placed to fill a cavity after a tooth has been damaged by decay. A filling restores the tooth, strengthening it and improving its appearance so that it both looks and functions the way it did before decay.
Untreated decay can continue to spread, leading to more serious complications and more aggressive treatment (yet another reason why those six-month dental checkups are so important for catching decay early on when it’s much easier to treat).
Signs that You Need a Dental Filling
While we mentioned that you won’t always know when you have decay, sometimes there are warning signs. The most common symptom is a toothache. The toothache may come and go or the pain may be ongoing. The pain may also get worse when chewing or putting pressure on the tooth. The tooth may also be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, as well as sugary treats. A toothache alone warrants an immediate trip to our office for care.
Sometimes you may even see decay just by looking at your teeth. If you notice any dark spots on a tooth or visible holes these are signs of decay; however, in the early stages of decay immediately drilling the tooth and filling it may not be necessary. Coming in every six months will ensure that we monitor the development of the decay. After all, decay is a slow, progressive disease. If you are experiencing symptoms then you will need a dental filling; however, early decay that isn’t causing symptom may even be reversed with proper hygiene and improved diet.
Do you have questions about how to care for your smile to protect against decay? Do you need to schedule dental cleaning for you or your entire family here in Yorba Linda, CA? Whatever you need, our dental office can help. We offer a full range of dentistry care to meet your family’s smile needs.