A cavity is the most common cause of tooth pain, but the extent of the cavity can also affect how severe the ache becomes. In fact, small cavities or caries may not cause any discomfort at all because they do not expose the root of the tooth. The root is where the nerve is located, and exposing it to food, moisture, temperature changes, or bacteria are the main reasons that pain occurs. Another cause of oral pain is an infection. Infections often begin in the root pulp, but they can quickly spread to other areas. Dental services in Bridgeport CT can help by eliminating any decay and sealing the recently cleaned dentin.
Unfortunately, cavities can do a lot of damage to the dentin that makes up the bulk of the tooth. This results in a weak tooth with a little material capable of supporting any type of repair. If there is still tooth material remaining after the damaged dentin is removed, the dentist may be able to apply a filling. However, severely damaged teeth usually require the dentist to remove huge amounts of dentin, and many could need even more extensive repairs including extracting the tooth and using an implant as a replacement.
Extensive cavity damage often requires a root canal, which is the removal of everything in the tooth except enough shell to support a crown. A root canal is one of the more extreme dental services in Bridgeport CT, and the patient must make several visits to the dentist before the procedure is complete. This is because the root canal requires removal of any damaged dentin along with the blood supply and nerve. Plus, the dentist must seal the tooth before covering it with a crown.
Certain damage can affect the front teeth such as chips and minor fractures. Eliminating these issues can be done in a couple of ways including the application of a veneer or the use of bonding and shaping. Veneers are a porcelain cover that fits over the front of the teeth. They are used for concealing a variety of visual problems such as crooked teeth or severe stains. Bonding uses a tooth-colored putty to build up an existing tooth, damaged or not. The tooth is then filed to the desired shape. Contact us and learn how an experienced dentist can help with any dental concerns.
