Did you know that cavities (dental caries) and tooth decay are considered to be one of the most preventable childhood diseases? Uncomfortable, avoidable and stinky…tooth decay is no joke. And, it won’t simply go away if you try to ignore it; it will only continue to spread and cause more health issues that can affect much more of your body than simply your mouth.
New Look Dental can help ensure your smile is healthy and radiant just in time for the holiday season! If you haven’t booked your oral hygiene appointment, now is a great time to get in and maximize your 2019 dental health benefits.
Symptoms of Tooth Decay
You may be wondering, “How do I know if I have a cavity?” or “How long does it take for a cavity to form?” The answers may surprise you.
Many clients assume they will experience dental discomfort and telltale symptoms. While this may be the case for more advanced stages, many people discover the issue when they update their dental X-Rays early on.
Dental X-Rays
Dental technology is so precise that we can often see shadows and problematic issues before they cause discomfort. This is one of the main reasons it is important to keep your dental X-Rays up-to-date. Our friendly and compassionate dental team will check your records and advise when you are due for your next set of X-Rays – just keep up with your regular appointments.
Stages of Tooth Decay
Catching tooth decay during its infancy is ideal. When we can treat the problem before it causes any grief or tooth pain when chewing, we are able to prevent the cavity from spreading. If the bacterial infection gets into the pulp of the tooth and close to the nerve, it can become nerve-wracking.
Clients are often disappointed to hear they need a root canal instead of a simple filling because they put off their dental work for too long.
The stages of tooth decay are:
- First Stage = White Spots
- Second Stage = Enamel Decay
- Third Stage = Dentin Decay
- Fourth Stage = Pulp Involvement
- Fifth Stage = Abscess Formation
- Sixth Stage = Tooth Loss
How Long Does It Take To Get A Filling?
Most minor fillings are fixed within a few minutes. We offer a variety of sedation techniques at New Look Dental to keep you happy and relaxed during your appointment.
There is topical freezing we can apply before the needle with medicine is given to numb a portion of your mouth. Even if you require a more extensive endodontic procedure such as a root canal, you will be in and out of the chair in no time!
When Can You Eat After A Filling?
Our team is committed to providing clients with everything they need for a successful procedure before and after. Your mouth will be frozen for up to a couple of hours after the procedure.
Eating and chewing during this time are not recommended as you can easily bite your tongue. Pre-planning by eating ahead of time if possible or relying on soup broths or protein shakes afterward are great options.
Dental Checkup Before Holidays
Are you planning on travelling to visit family, friends or a beach this holiday season? Avoid the potential for a dental emergency by getting in your annual checkups now. New Look Dental wants to help you prevent cavities and educating our clients is something we take pride in.
Let Us Help You Care For Your Smile
We invite you to discuss any dental concerns. Our team is always happy to answer your questions or concerns. If something feels strange with your smile, don’t delay.