Enjoying your favorite ice cream treat at Quiet Corner Creamery turns into a different kind of experience when your teeth are sensitive to cold. Every bite has to be taken with care because of the pain that might ensue. It takes the fun out of eating ice cream, right? Yes, but not enough to visit your dentist, right? Wrong! Sensitivity to hot or cold foods may not be the severe dental pain that has you running for your dentist, however it can be an indicator of tooth decay. Your dentist in Putnam has more information about cavities.
What is a cavity?
The foods that we consume leave debris and bacteria on our teeth that eventually leave plaque to build up on and in between our teeth. It’s important to brush and floss daily in order to remove plaque from our teeth. If plaque is not removed, it will eventually start to eat through the enamel on your tooth, causing your tooth to decay. When your dentist removes the decay, a small hole remains that is known as a cavity. This cavity will need to be filled in order to strengthen and rebuild your tooth.
What are the Signs of a Cavity?
It is important to have regular dental cleanings and check ups so your dentist can monitor your teeth for the early signs of tooth decay and cavities. This ensures that your cavity can be treated before it becomes painful. Your dentist will use x-rays and a thorough examination of your teeth to determine if there is decay present that is in need of repair.
If your tooth decay progresses further into your tooth you may develop a toothache or sensitivity when eating sweets, hot or cold items. It’s important not ignore these signs in the hopes that it will go away on its own because the decay will eventually work it’s way through your tooth and into your nerve. At this stage it will cause severe dental pain and infection, a possibly the need for a root canal.
How is a cavity treated?
Drs. Carolyn and Walter McGinn have been repairing teeth in Putnam, CT for many years now. They use only the highest quality composite resin to fill your cavities for a number of reasons. First, because composite resin is much safer for your body than the metal fillings that were used in the past. The next reason is because composite is tooth colored and designed to match your teeth so no one will ever know you’ve had a filling. Composite fillings are also much more durable than fillings of the past, and designed to protect your teeth for many years.
Your Putnam dentists invite you to contact our office right away if you’ve experienced any dental pain or sensitivity. We make every effort to accommodate our emergency patients right away. Even if it goes away this is definitely a sign that you should have your teeth checked. Call our office today to schedule your cleaning and check up.