What are dental cavities, and what causes them?
Dental cavities, also referred to as dental caries, are areas of decay that form on the teeth. cavities in Panama, and the world, are as common as a cold.
These occur when the bacteria that lives on our teeth comes into contact with carbohydrates in the food and drink that we consume. The bacteria feed on these carbohydrates and produces acid. This acid then combines with the bacteria as well as any food debris and saliva in our mouth to form plaque, which is a sticky substance that clings to our teeth.
Parts of the tooth
The part of the tooth that you can see is known as the crown, and it sits above the gums. Tooth enamel is a hard outer covering of the crown that is actually harder than bone! Tooth enamel can be thought of as the protection for the softer tissues & nerves inside of your tooth.
Dentin is the softer tissue right below the enamel that envelopes the pulp. If you looked at it under a microscope you’d see that it has small hollow canals. So when this layer of the tooth is exposed, then things like heat, cold, or acid are able to reach your nerves.
The root is the part of the tooth that lies underneath the gums. And it’s outer covering is called cementum which is a calcified, bonelike substance protecting the tooth root.
The pulp is the heart of the tooth, and it houses the blood vessels and nerves which nourish the tooth and keep it alive.
What treatment is available for dental cavities in Panama?
Fillings
If the cavity is small, the tooth can be restored with a filling. Dentists will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill it with a white composite filling or silver amalgam filling.
Crowns
If a larger area of the tooth is decayed, it will require a crown that surrounds the entire tooth’s surface. Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that restore the decayed tooth back to its natural size, shape, and function.
Root Canal
If the cavity progresses deeper and infects the tooth’s nerves, a root canal may be the recommended treatment. The center of your tooth, including the decayed area, blood vessels, and the nerve, will be removed and filled with a sealing material prior to a crown being positioned.
Dental Implants or Fixed Bridges
For instances when the entire tooth is affected and requires extraction, dental implants or fixed bridges are solutions that will restore tooth functionality and appearance.
For more information about the treatments available for the treatment for dental cavities in Panama, contact us.