Caring for your smile is a lifelong process. There are many considerations to make when prioritizing your health, and it extends further than just ensuring you are brushing your teeth. Indeed, making sure you attend your routine dental visits serves more purposes than just identifying cavities and failing to attend one at least every six months can cause your chances of infection and destruction to increase drastically. In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS dentist examines what happens when cavities persist too long, and how they can cause damage to your nerves and inner structures.
It Progresses Faster than You Think
By now you are probably well aware that dental decay is among the most common oral health threat out there. As a matter of fact, it affects millions of individuals every year in some shape or form. Indeed, decay progression is considered on a spectrum, as the condition will continue to get worse without proper treatment.
In its earliest stages, decay results when hyperactive oral bacteria feed off of the foods and sugars we consume, causing them to produce destructive acids. These acids along with the bacteria actively eat away at a tooth’s natural structure, allowing a cavity to form in its place.
While you may think a cavity is the worst of it, in reality, time is not on your side when tending to your infection. In other words, the issue will continue to worsen without proper care. This is one of the many reasons our recommends attending your six-month dental checkup and cleaning. For more information about this process, reach out to our team today.
Significant Complications from Infection
As decay continues to progress, it begins to work its way into the inner dental pulp of your tooth. Here, it will infect the inner workings of your smile as well as cause damage to your sensitive nerves.
In addition to the internal damage you may face, you will endure functional complications as well. For instance, damaged nerves and weakened structure will cause pain and sensitivity when attempting to perform routine tasks such as biting and chewing. In order to avoid these concerns and future ones, your dentist may recommend the help of a root canal treatment. Reach out to our office to schedule your visit and learn your options today.
Restorative Treatment to Save Your Smile
When you come in for your root canal treatment, your dentist will take care to remove the infected portions of pulp and subsequently fill the open canals with a dental material. To finish your treatment, we will place a highly lifelike dental crown restoration on the affected tooth, and then you will be on your way.
Schedule Your Next Appointment
Dental decay can get out of hand fast, which is why it is imperative to attend routine checkups. Contact Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS by calling 913-681-5500 to learn about the benefits of root canal therapy, or to schedule your appointment with our team today.