Hole in a Tooth
A hole in a tooth is called a cavity. Even a tiny hole in a tooth or a small pit indicates the first signs of decay.
Initially, when you first develop a cavity, there may be few, if any, symptoms.
Initially, when you first develop a cavity, there may be few, if any, symptoms.
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As the hole becomes larger, it may cause dental problems that include:
If you have teeth, you are at risk of getting tooth decay. Various risk factors can cause tooth decay.
Most often, inadequate brushing and flossing cause tooth decay, allowing plaque to form. When plaque isn’t removed regularly, it soon hardens into calculus or tartar, which is difficult to remove and protects the bacteria in plaque. The bacteria in plaque produce acid that removes minerals from the tooth enamel, eventually eroding it and creating a tiny hole in a tooth.
Snacking frequently between meals on sugary or starchy foods provides fuel for harmful bacteria to thrive. Consequently, they produce more acid to attack teeth. Sipping frequently on acidic beverages has a similar effect on your teeth.
Some teeth are simply harder to clean than others and especially your back teeth. These teeth have lots of grooves and fissures designed to grind food but which can easily trap food and plaque.
Even infants can develop cavities and especially when given a bedtime bottle filled with a sugary liquid. While soothing, these liquids will bathe the infant’s teeth with sugar, allowing harmful plaque to form more easily and to erode their tooth enamel. Toddlers given a sippy cup to enjoy over several hours are also at risk for the same reasons.
We treat a hole in a tooth exactly like any form of tooth decay. A tiny hole in a tooth that is little more than a small pit may be reversible with fluoride applications. Fluoride helps to harden the tooth surface, preventing further tooth decay. A larger hole in a tooth needs filling with a suitable restorative material that may be tooth-colored composite resin or amalgam.
Tooth decay is preventable with proper oral care that includes a regular regime of twice-daily brushing and once-a-day flossing. Regular checkups and hygiene appointments are also crucial. During your regular checkup, our dentist can carefully assess each tooth for any soft areas that can indicate the very first sign of decay. Hygiene appointments remove calculus buildup from teeth, getting rid of harmful plaque bacteria.
If we notice you have a problem with tooth decay despite good oral care, we may suggest reviewing your diet. Your food choices and even the times you eat certain foods can make a considerable difference to your risk of tooth decay.
Our general dental specialists here at Gentle Dental can discuss all the cavity or hole in a tooth treatment options suitable for your situation. For more information about the best treatment for cavity in Queens, contact Gentle Dental at (718) 461-0100.
I was very surprised. I went because they had a special and I figured I wouldn’t get that much attention. The ladies at the desk were very polite and professional. I didn’t wait long. Every section of my mouth was xrayed and a full set of pictures were also taken. The dentist addressed all my concerns and paid close attention to my problem, although that was not part of the special. There was a great financial advisor who explained everything completely. They really impressed me
My first experience at gentle dental was excellent.the place was very clean, friendly, I was very comfortable, everyone I met was very nice, of course I need a lot of work done in my teeth but I am happy to know I’m in great hands. I’ve been seen other dentist regularly every six months but I realize that I didn’t have the right care.. I thank my son and my nephew to recommend Gentle Dental. It’s worth the trip from Syosset to Bayside, it was my husband first visit too and he is very happy to meet the right dentist to work with. Thank you all!
I had a visit to Gentle Dental this week and was impressed with the important updates that were adopted by them in their office to allow patients protection against the COVID-19 virus. They have provided for safe in-person visit, masking policy is enforced, and the temperature of patients are taken.These precautions minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The usual professional service was rendered by my dentist and I was totally satisfied with the outcome of the procedure
When you walk in, the surroundings feel relaxing like you’re in a spa. Then as you check in you’re offered some tea. I almost forgot I was at a dental office. I’m bummed that they don’t have any pediatric dentists there as well, otherwise I would love our whole family to be seen there. They are very pleasant and professional. I would recommend them to anyone. Their wait times are really short, I barely got started on the form I had to fill out before they called us in.
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