It goes without saying that major concerns such as a broken arm or a knocked-out tooth are items that you will undoubtedly seek remedy for immediately. In most circumstances, however, there may be some grey area in the necessity of seeking treatment, and many individuals opt for waiting to see if the problem gets worse or better. Keep in mind, however, that when it comes to your dental health, waiting in most cases will only cause problems to become worse. In today’s blog, your Auburn Hills, MI dentist will take a look at the progression of decay and discuss what you can do to avoid the damage it causes.
The Threats of Oral Bacteria
Believe it or not, a large number of oral concerns share a common denominator. Indeed, issues such as periodontal disease, tooth loss, and more all begin with oral bacteria. These bacteria are present in every smile, and it is up to you to follow a sturdy preventive care routine in order to prevent them from causing harm. They thrive in warm, moist, hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, making the gums, behind the teeth, and in-between structures a hot spot for activity. If these microorganisms are permitted to thrive, they begin to feed off food particles and sugar that you ingest, which in turn causes them to secrete harmful acids. These acids aid in the weakening of your natural structures, causing soft spots and, inevitably, cavities.
Indeed, decay will continue to grow and grow, taking over entire oral structures until eventually, you experience loss. To combat this, we recommend addressing these concerns as soon as possible with a tooth-colored filling. For more information, contact our team today.
When Structures Become Internally Infected
Once decay has infected a percentage of your tooth, restorations such as fillings will begin to fail as the decay has spread to the inner-workings of your structure. Here, your inner dental pulp and nerves begin to become damaged, causing sharp pain and aching. To remedy the problem at this stage, we will need to provide a root canal procedure in which we work below the surface of a tooth to remove decaying portions from the inside, then fill the open canals with a dental material. We will then cap the structure off with a crown to promote adequate healing. While this treatment is a bit more extensive than a traditional filling, bear in mind that it may be the last option to save your natural tooth.
You Will Lose a Tooth
If for some reason or another your decay has progressed past the point in which even a root canal would not be helpful, then it is time to consider having the structure extracted. Your dentist will recommend to do so in order to preserve your surrounding teeth, and also recommend a replacement with a dental implant. Contact our team today to learn more about your options.
Schedule Your Appointment
Decay can be severe if left untreated, and it is always better to act sooner rather than later. Contact Advanced Dental Concepts in Auburn Hills, MI by calling 248-852-1820 to learn more or schedule your appointment today.
