Can a Cavity Heal On Its Own?
The human body is a miraculous thing. With a little assistance, everything from small scratches to broken bones are able to heal themselves over time. Why wouldn’t teeth be the same? If you’ve just noticed cavity symptoms, it’s natural to wonder if you can repair a cavity at home without a trip to the dentist.
It’s a fair question, and we’re giving straight answers. Hear the truth on the regenerative ability (or lack thereof) of your teeth from an accomplished family dentist in north Brooklyn.
H2 Teeth vs. Bones: Spot the Difference
Tooth enamel is the hardest surface in the human body, but they’re still quite different from your typical bones. Unlike bones, teeth don’t have the miraculous ability to heal themselves completely. Tooth enamel is primarily made of calcium phosphate. It’s resilient, but it lacks living tissue that’s housed in your bones and skin that allow them to reheal after damage. What that comes down to, unfortunately, is that the high majority of tooth decay won’t just go away on its own.
H2 A Window of Opportunity During Early Stages
Once a cavity starts to form, intervention is often required to prevent further decay and protect your smile. However, there’s a glimmer of hope! At the very earliest stages of degradation, teeth have the power of remineralization. This is where minerals, like fluoride, can help restore the enamel and reverse the damage. But here’s the catch – catching it early is key.
H2 Boost Tooth Power with Fluoride Treatments
Enter fluoride, one of the strongest allies teeth have for fighting off cavities. Fluoride is a common ingredient in commercial toothpastes and local water sources to reinforce oral health. For a more concentrated amount, fluoride treatments during a dental cleaning play a pivotal role in preventing cavities and supporting remineralization. If a cavity is very minor or in its earliest development, our team may recommend a fluoride treatment instead of restorative solutions to keep an eye on decay development.
H2 Partner with Your Dentist to Kick Cavities
Once a cavity starts, it’s not easy to stop on your own. If it’s determined at-home remineralization and fluoride aren’t enough, we’ll be at your side to keep your smile healthy. With early detection, we can keep the removal of your natural tooth structure to a minimum for a quick and seamless restoration. The majority of dental cavities will be handled two ways:
- Dental Fillings: Dental fillings are the go-to solution for ridding your teeth of cavities. These restorative wonders fill in the gaps left by decay, preserving the structure of your tooth and ensuring your smile stays brilliant.
- Dental Crowns: For more extensive decay, dental crowns come to the rescue. These tooth-colored restorations cap the top of the tooth to prevent decay from getting in. We carefully craft and place dental crowns in a single visit to restore strength, function, and beauty to your compromised tooth.
H2 Even the Strongest Teeth Need a Little Help
In the grand saga of cavities, it’s clear that teeth, while unique, can benefit from a little help. When a cavity is causing you any discomfort, North Brooklyn Dental care is at hand. Whether through fluoride treatments, dental fillings, or dental crowns, our arsenal is equipped to ensure your smile remains a beacon of health and happiness.
For extra info on your oral health or to book an exam with an all-star dentist in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, get in touch with our team today. Together, we’ll make sure you’re covered with prevention, restoration, and lasting dental joy!
