Cavities a very common, so it’s likely that you’ve had one or more resolved in the past. Whether it became apparent when you were bothered by increased sensitivity, or if your dentist noticed it before you did, it’s important to have the issue addressed as soon as possible to prevent more severe issues. That being said, some cavities are more difficult to see than others because they are between the teeth. These are called “interproximal cavities.” Continue reading to learn how you can tell if you have one and the best way to treat them.
How Can You Know If You Have an Interproximal Cavity?
A lot of the time, patients don’t pick up on 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, resulting 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. Chances are that your dentist will treat it with one of the following:
- Recalcification: When decay is detected early enough, your dentist may be able to re-calcify it with fluoride gel.
- Tooth-Colored Filling: This is one of the most common treatments for a cavity. This involves your dentist removing the damaged portion of your tooth before filling it with a tooth-colored material.
- Root Canal Treatment: If the decay is deep, root canal treatment may be necessary to save your tooth. A hole 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.
- 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 daily as well as seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. This way, you can clean away food particles before they cause problems. Other helpful ways to prevent cavities include limiting your sugar intake and using fluoridated mouthwash.
You don’t want to spend more time in the dental chair getting dental work done. By keeping up an excellent oral hygiene routine, you can prevent issues, like interproximal cavities, in the future!
About the Practice
Dr. Sheila Gordon-Holt and Dr. Nemish Shah work together to serve patients in the Charlotte community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. If you think you may have a cavity between your teeth, they would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (817) 488-2273.