Cavities are incredibly common. It is likely that you’ve had some in the past. Whether you picked up on it because of sensitivity, or if your dentist noticed it before you could, it’s always important to treat it as soon as possible to prevent future issues. However, some cavities are more difficult to see than others because they are between the teeth. These are called “interproximal cavities.” Read on to learn how you can tell if you have one and the best way to treat them.
How Do You Know If You Have an Interproximal Cavity?
A lot of the time, patients don’t notice interproximal cavities right away because they are difficult to see. Usually, this becomes apparent when the patient starts to feel pain. This happens when the cavity has become large enough where it has penetrated the enamel. This results in sensitivity and discomfort. The only way to know for sure if you have an interproximal cavity is to see your dentist. They can confirm this with a bitewing X-ray.
How Are Interproximal Cavities Treated?
The treatment for interproximal cavities depends on the severity of the decay. It’s likely that your dentist will use one of the following treatments.
- Recalcification: When decay is detected early on, your dentist may be able to recalcifiy it with fluoride gel.
- Tooth-Colored Fillings: This is one of the most common treatments for a cavity. This involves your dentist removing the damaged potion of the tooth before filling it with tooth-colored material.
- Root Canal Treatment: if the decay is deep, root canal treatment may be necessary to save your tooth. A hold is made in your tooth to remove the pulp from the center, sanitize it, and seal it with a filling.
- Dental Crown: Dental crowns are often placed over teeth with large fillings or root canal treatment to protect them from further damage.
- Tooth Extraction: When the tooth cannot be saved, your dentist might need to extract your tooth completely, tooth replacement options are available to complete your smile.
How Do You Prevent Interproximal Cavities?
To prevent cavities from developing, it’s important that you maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing twice and flossing every day as well as seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. This way, you can clean away food particles before they cause issues. Other helpful ways to prevent cavities include limiting your sugar intake and using fluoridated mouthwash.
You don’t want to spend more time than you need to in the dental chair. By keeping up excellent oral hygiene, you can prevent various issues, like interproximal cavities, in the future.
About the Author
At Advanced Dental Concepts, Dr. Danny Hayes and Dr. Mallek Nahhas work together to treat patients in the Dyer community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (219) 322-3418.