Got a Cavity? Here’s What to Do

Our Plantation dentist and Tamarac dentist offices are here to help spread awareness about oral health and provide quality, affordable dental care to Broward County. Along with regular in-office teeth cleanings and exams, you should always keep an eye out for possible signs of a problem.

What to Do When You Have a Cavity

A cavity occurs when tooth decay causes permanent damage to the surface of a tooth. Cavities are most common in children and older adults but can occur at any age. Tooth pain is often the first sign of a problem. If you think you might have a cavity, here are some steps you should take right away.

Continue to Monitor Symptoms

Cavity symptoms can include temperature or sugar sensitivity, tooth pain, and visible holes or marks on the teeth. You should always check your teeth on a regular basis to make sure you catch and treat any cavities right away before they turn into more severe (and expensive) issues.

Schedule a Dental Exam

If you suspect you or your child may have a cavity, schedule a dental exam immediately. It is not possible to heal cavities on your own at home. If left untreated, the cavity will worsen and result in further infection or even tooth loss. Your Tamarac dentist or Plantation dentist can treat the problem before it gets any worse.

Select a Treatment

If your dentist discovers a cavity, they usually recommend filling it that same day. They may also recommend a crown or root canal for severely decaying teeth. If the tooth is so damaged that none of these measures will work, the dentist might recommend an extraction.

Maintain Proper Aftercare

The dentist will use medication to numb the mouth and ensure your child does not experience any pain during the procedure. Once you get home, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers made for kids. Stick to a liquid diet for the first few hours and soft foods for the rest of the day.

Talk to your dentist about how to prevent cavities in the future. If you are not sure about the best methods of at-home teeth cleaning, we are here to answer questions and provide guidance. Always keep up with your yearly exams and cleanings to help preserve your teeth and gums. Contact our Tamarac pediatric dentist or Plantation pediatric dentist to schedule an exam for your little one.

June 18, 2021