Tooth decay is one of the most common preventable illnesses among children and adults in the UK. If you have signs of decay, we have the treatments to ease pain and protect the teeth in the future.
What causes decay?
Decay is caused by harmful bacteria that produce acids to weaken and damage the enamel. Once the enamel is worn, acid wear can cause holes known as cavities to form in the tooth surface and decay can spread to the inner parts of the tooth. Signs of decay include feeling or seeing a hole in the tooth surface, weakness in the tooth, especially when you bite or chew, toothache and heightened sensitivity to hot or cold.
What can be done for decay?
If you have a cavity in your tooth, the usual course of action is to have a filling. Fillings are designed to fill in the hole and strengthen the tooth. They also help to reduce the level of bacteria spreading through the tooth. Filling a tooth takes around one hour and we recommend white fillings, which are made of dental composite and resins, as they match the shade of the natural tooth for a completely discreet aesthetic.
In cases of severe decay, when the infection has spread to the pulp tissue, which contains the nerves and blood cells, root canal treatment may be recommended. This procedure can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth and it aims to prevent the spread of infection by removing decayed pulp tissue and sealing the root canals.
Preventing decay
When it comes to oral health, prevention is always better than cure and we recommend good oral hygiene at home, frequent dental visits and a healthy diet to lower the risk of dental decay.
Tags: Decaying teeth, dental decay Leeds, Tooth decay Central Leeds, tooth decay treatment Leeds
