What Is A Cavity?
For many people out there the idea of having a cavity filled
is a common experience. But do you really have any idea what a cavity is and
why it is so important to have it taken care sooner rather than later?
Hopefully this brief explanation will help. 
A cavity starts as a small hole in a
fissure or groove on a tooth. Sometimes it can start on the side (proximal)
surface of the tooth. This type of cavity can only be seen typically on an
x-ray. (Notice the cavity on the side of the tooth in the enamel)
As the decay progresses it penetrates
deeper within the enamel collar of the tooth. (The enamel is the part of the
tooth that you see and covers the dentin which lies beneath it.)
If left untreated, the decay will progress and
penetrate into the dentin. At any time during
this process pain can occur. Symptoms can start as a gentle sensitivity to
hot, cold or sweets. As the cavity gets larger, obviously the level of
discomfort increases as well.
OK, you never had that little cavity filled and now you've
got
a whopping toothache. Chances are that the decay reached the nerve (pulp) and
there exists the possibility that an abscess is forming. If so,
Root
Canal Therapy (Endodontics) is the next procedure you will be reading
about on our website.
Hopefully you have taken care of that small cavity by having
it filled with some type of restorative material. Today we only place
white fillings (composites) or inlays (either
porcelain or composite). No more silver fillings.
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