Cavities are a disease of the mouth that causes tooth decay and erosion. Cavities are caused by acids generated by bacteria that exist in the mouth.

Acids attack tooth enamel to weaken it and cause holes in the teeth. When caries is not treated in time it can cause serious problems in the internal tissues, that is, in the nerve, until it produces complete damage to the tooth, which generates its loss.

How do I know if I have cavities?

When we have cavities we may see discolored tooth, black spots, or sensitivity when consuming hot or cold food or drinks.

When the damage is greater the pain it is an alert that the cavity is already deep. In these cases, it is possible that endodontic treatment (root canal) is required or that the tooth has been lost and needs to be replaced by a Dental Implant.

What to do if I have cavities and what is its treatment?

If you think you may have cavities in your teeth you should make an appointment with your dentist, as soon as possible. If you let time go by, the cavity will get bigger, until it reaches the tissues and nerves of the tooth.

If you have cavities, the proper treatment to remove it depends on how far it has progressed inside the tooth:

When cavities are starting

It is possible that a fluoride treatment can reverse the damage.

When the tooth decay has already advanced

The affected area of the tooth should be removed and a restoration made with resin (an adhesive and aesthetic material).

When the decay has reached the nerve or pulp

A root canal may need to be done. In this case, the pulp (nerve) must be removed in order to maintain the tooth. If the caries is very large and has compromised a large part of the tooth, it will be necessary to perform a Dental crown to replace the crown of the natural tooth.

When decay has damaged the tooth

The tooth would have to be extracted and treated with Dental implants to replace the missing tooth.

As you can see, cavities can cause very serious problems with your teeth, so it is best to prevent them. For this, remember that the most important thing is to maintain proper oral hygiene and make frequent visits to your dentist (minimum 2 times a year). You can see our article on 5 tips to avoid cavities.

If you require advice on this type of treatment or are interested in a treatment of Dental Implants in Bogotá , do not hesitate to contact a Premium Implant Network - PIN professional.