Most individuals get at least one cavity during their lifetime. Though they are common, cavities can cause significant damage if not treated promptly by your dentist. Your dentist treats this form of tooth decay with a dental filling.
However, without proper care, cavities could develop under your filling. Dr. Caleb Robinson, a dentist in New Philadelphia, OH, provides further information about recurrent decay and how you can prevent this dental issue.
All About Recurrent Tooth Decay
What Is Recurrent Decay?
Throughout our day, natural bacteria in our mouths react with food particles to develop plaque over our teeth. We remove this build-up with oral hygiene regimens so that plaque cannot erode tooth enamel and leave teeth vulnerable to damage.
Tooth decay is one such type of damage that can occur when plaque eats away at your enamel. Cavities can occur when decay leaves a hole in the surface of the tooth. Recurrent decay forms when another cavity develops under the filling or crown that treated earlier tooth decay.
How Do Dentists Treat Recurrent Decay?
As with cavities, dentists must first remove the decay from the affected tooth when a patient has recurrent decay. They then restore the tooth with a new dental filling or a crown to seal the vulnerable area and protect it from further damage.
If decay has progressed deep into the tooth and infected the tooth pulp, the patient may require a root canal. This treatment is completed with a dental crown to cover the tooth.
Can I Prevent Recurrent Decay?
Good oral hygiene practices and healthy food choices can protect your smile from developing cavities. These can also prevent the formation of recurrent decay as well.
Recurrent decay can develop under a filling or crown if the sealant becomes damaged or breaks. For this reason, you should visit your dentist every six months for an oral examination. Dentists can check that your fillings are not worn and perform x-ray imaging to check your teeth for cavities under these sealants.
Schedule Regular Dentist Appointments in New Philadelphia, OH
Dr. Robinson is a highly qualified dentist offering dental fillings and other general dental treatments to patients in New Philadelphia, OH. Our practice also specializes in cosmetic and restorative dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with our team, contact us online or reach our office by phone at 330.969.6343.