Tooth decayis because of bacteria in the mouth that eats away at tooth enamel.
This can lead to acavity(a hole in the tooth).
Common cavity symptoms include tooth pain or sensitivity and visible changes in the tooth, like holes or pits.
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Also, it’s possible to have a cavity and not feel anything.
Teeth in the back of the mouth are where cavities often occur.
Cavities most commonly pop up on chewing surfaces and between teeth.Both of these areas are difficult to see yourself.
Usually, that’s because thecavity is between teeth.
Dental X-rayscan catch early cavities between teeth and those not yet visible on the tooth’s surface.
Researchers have found that X-rays increase the diagnosis of hidden cavities by nearly 10 times.
Cavity symptoms include:
Researchers call cavities one of the most prevalent diseases among children globally.
A cavity spreading beyond the enamel could lead to anabscessed tooth(a severe infection).
An abscess might occur if the pulp (the soft tissue in the root) dies and swells.
This infection can spread throughout the body and can sometimes be fatal.
Symptoms of a tooth abscess include:
Will a Cavity Heal on Its Own?
Cavities are sometimes in between teeth and in the back of your mouth.
Cavity Inspection
Dentists use a visual inspection to determine if a cavity is present on a tooth.
Cavity on X-Ray
An X-ray is the most definitive way to diagnose a cavity.
X-rays allow dentists to see through layers of teeth to determine how severe a cavity is.
This can inform their treatment plan.
However, X-rays are not foolproof, and they sometimes underestimate the depth of a cavity.
When they return, they will remove the film from your mouth.
The results are available for a dentist to review immediately.
However, even with insurance, you must still cover some costs.
It is common for dental insurance plans to cover a percentage of fillings.
Depending on your plan, it covers between 50%-80%.
Without dental insurance, it is expensive to cover the cost of dental care.
As the cavity progresses, pain and sensitivity are common symptoms.
If you suspect a cavity, the best thing to do is make an appointment with a dentist.
They can determine how advanced the cavity is and develop a treatment plan.
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