What are Cavities? 

"Cavities" is another way of saying tooth decay.


   

While cavities are generally more common among children, adults are also at risk. The types of cavities include:

• Coronal cavities- the most common type occurring in both children and adults, coronal cavities usually are located on chewing surfaces or between the teeth
• Root cavities- as we age, our gums recede, leaving parts of the tooth root exposed. Since there is no enamel covering tooth roots, these exposed areas easily decay
• Recurrent decay- decay can form around existing fillings and crowns. This is because these areas may have a tendency to accumulate plaque, which can ultimately lead to decay

Adults are especially at risk for cavities if they suffer from dry mouth, a condition due to a lack of saliva. Dry mouth may be caused by illness, medications, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, and may be either temporary (days to months) or permanent, depending on its cause.

 

 

Cavities are very serious. Left untreated, a cavity can destroy your tooth and kill the delicate nerves at its center, which may result in an abscess, an area of infection at the root tip. Once an abscess forms, it can only be treated with a root canal, surgery or by extracting the tooth.

   

Call us or Click for your check up (909) 945-2002

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