Got Questions About Cavities? Here Are Your Answers

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Cavities can be a complex dental issue that destroys many smiles in the world today. If you have questions about cavities, which are also known as tooth decay, then our dentist, Dr. Jim Tatum, is happy to give you the information you’re looking for. To do so, he is happy to provide the answers to these commonly asked questions:

Q: What causes cavities?

A: Plaque causes cavities. Plaque is a white film that sticks to the tooth enamel. If it’s not removed regularly, it can wear down the shell and damage the tooth.

Q: Can cavities get worse?

A: Cavities can get worse. In fact, if you ignore them, they can infect the outer surfaces as well as the inner surfaces of the tooth. They can also spread to affect the surrounding teeth.

Q: What treatments are available for cavities?

A: The treatment used depends on the severity of the cavity. If the cavity is minor, a filling can treat it. If the cavity is more dangerous, a dental crown can treat it. If the cavity is even more dangerous, a root canal treatment can treat it. If the cavity has destroyed the entire tooth, extraction is generally necessary.

Call Opelika Dental Arts today at 334-745-3135 if you have any questions or if you would like to know more. Our dental team will be more than happy to tell you all about cavities in Opelika, Alabama, and we look forward to helping you.