Why it’s important to treat a cavity as soon as it is diagnosed instead of waiting

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems that can occur for patients. When cavities develop, they cause large holds in the tooth’s enamel—and beyond. These holes leave a tooth susceptible to problems such as larger areas of tooth decay or infection caused by bacteria that enters into the tooth. Many cavities can be spotted early enough for successful intervention by our team of professionals, and once diagnosed, should be addressed as soon as possible. Treating cavities as soon as they are diagnosed is incredibly important.

What is cavity?

A cavity, also known as tooth decay, is a problem that is caused by poor oral health habits. When food particles and plaque are not brushed and flossed from the teeth, it can cause acids to develop on natural tooth enamel which penetrate its thick shell. Cavities can cause a depression in the tooth structure or a large hole that leaves the tooth vulnerable to infection and further trauma. Treatment should occur as soon as it is caught for various reasons.

• Cavities can become larger and more damaging to the tooth’s natural structure, affecting the integrity of the tooth and making it weaker
• Cavities can penetrate deep within the tooth and reach the dental pulp inside, where an infection can cause the need for root canal therapy
• Cavities can become extremely large to the point where a filling cannot effectively seal the tooth. In situations such as these, the placement of a dental crown is often recommended.
• Cavities that cause infection but cannot be treated effectively with root canal therapy will need to be permanently extracted from the smile.
• Cavities can occur in patients of any age and any gender, making routine dental examinations and cleanings critical to maintaining oral health and wellness.

Treat your cavity as soon as possible to avoid more expensive or invasive treatment

If you have been diagnosed with a cavity in your smile, then let Dr. Steven Holbrook treat it to avoid extensive services later on. Call the office at (505) 881-1159 to make an appointment at 8228 Louisiana Boulevard, NE Suite C to discuss your options.