Cavities Specialist
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CAI Dentistry
Dentists located in McLean, VA & Vienna, VA
Everyone dreads having a cavity, but at Cai Dentistry in Vienna and McLean, Virginia, getting a filling doesn’t mean having a painful or stressful experience. The expert dentists and staff help make your dental visit as relaxing and prompt as possible. If you suspect you have a cavity, call or schedule an appointment online as soon as possible.
Cavities Q & A
What is a cavity?
A cavity is a hole in either the outer coating of your tooth — called enamel — or the inner layer — called dentin. When bacteria and food debris combine in your mouth and attach to your teeth, it causes a buildup called plaque. The acids in plaque can dissolve and weaken the enamel and make a hole, or cavity. Once created, a cavity is permanent without treatment.
Symptoms to look for that might mean you have a cavity include:
- A toothache
- Tooth sensitivity and/or pain when biting
- A visible hole or discoloration on the tooth
The dentists at Cai Dentistry detect a cavity by checking each tooth with a small pointed tool that can find small holes on the tooth’s surface. In addition, they use X-rays to detect cavities in between teeth, where they are not easily detected by sight or with a tool.
Can adults get cavities?
Yes, and sometimes they’re more serious because adults can get cavities in the roots of their teeth due to gum recession. As you age, your gums pull away from your teeth, and the roots are exposed to plaque and cavities. If a cavity forms in your tooth’s root, the repair becomes more complicated and requires a root canal.
Regular dental checkups are necessary throughout a person’s lifetime to catch any cavities starting to form as soon as possible to avoid further destruction of the tooth or roots.
How is a cavity repaired?
The simplest way to treat a cavity is for a dentist to remove the decayed area of the tooth with a tiny drill. The dentist then fills the hole with a resin composite, which is very close in color to your natural teeth so it’s not noticeable when you talk or smile. The procedure is quick and generally painless due to the use of local anesthesia. The entire process takes about 15 minutes.
Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene are the best way to avoid or detect a cavity early. But if you do develop a cavity, let the professionals at Cai Dentistry in McLean, Virginia, give you a quick and painless filling. Schedule your next dental checkup today by calling or making an online appointment.
