West Jordan Dentist | Holt Dental Care
Most people think about cavities as tiny holes in the surface of their teeth. While this is a reasonably accurate description, cavities can affect teeth differently. The three most common types of cavities are:
- Root cavities
- Pit and fissure cavities
- Smooth-surface cavities
With prompt treatment, most types of cavities are treatable without any trouble. But when treatment is delayed, expensive and lengthy treatments become necessary. Read below to learn more about each type of cavity and how your West Jordan dentist treats them before they become severe and costly dental problems.
Root Cavities
Root Cavities occur on the surface of a tooth’s roots. They are more common in older adults who likely have gum disease or disorders, including receding gums. When there is gum recession, the surfaces become exposed, making them more susceptible to erosive acids in plaque and bacteria, leading to root decay. Developed root cavities come with more tooth pain than others.
How Do You Treat Root Cavities?
Dr. Holt, your West Jordan dentist, removes the decayed area and fills the cavity with composite resin. If decay has spread to the pulp, root canal therapy is necessary. The root does not have as much protective tooth enamel, and tooth decay can spread relatively quickly. Dr. Holt may recommend a crown if the cavity is large. Adults over the age of 50 are more at risk for root cavities.
Pit and Fissure Cavities
Pit and Fissure cavities are on the chewing part of the tooth, especially the molars and premolars. These cavities are common, especially for people who don’t often brush or use fluoride toothpaste.
What is Pit and Fissure Cavity Treatment?
Dental sealants can help prevent tooth decay in children and adults at a higher risk of dental caries if decay is found early. Once the cavity becomes deeper, a dentist must remove the decay and repair the tooth.
Fillings typically work well for smaller cavities. Large cavities, however, often require root canals or crowns if decay is very deep or the remaining tooth structure is too weak.
Smooth-Surface Cavities
Smooth-surface cavities affect the flat surface of the teeth. They are the slowest cavities to develop and the least common. Although they aren’t as common, these can be a problem for people who don’t practice good oral hygiene.
What is Smooth-Surface Cavity Treatment?
Smooth-surface cavities are slow-growing and more easily treatable. Many times, your dentist can resolve them with the help of fluoride treatments, such as gels, toothpaste, or fluoride-enriched water. A cavity generally takes quite some time to make its way through smooth-surface enamel.
People can also develop interproximal cavities, which are smooth surface cavities between the teeth. Dentists usually use x-rays to detect them. If found, fluoride treatments often help unless the cavity enters the tooth’s dentin, in which case a filling is necessary.
Get Your Cavity Treatment From Your West Jordan Dentist
Practicing good at-home oral health and keeping periodontal disease at bay is the best way to prevent pit and fissure, smooth surface, and root cavities. Optimal oral hygiene will help you avoid painful procedures and even tooth extractions. Brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily is critical. If you sense something is off, give Holt Dental Care in West Jordan, Ut, a call. Catching cavities early on is the key!
