Why do dentists poke cavities?

Why do dentists poke cavities?

In short, it helps us to see and more accurately detect early signs of decay on your teeth, before a cavity forms. Our dentist in Coorparoo pokes at your gums to check for signs of gum disease.

What happens when your cavity is too deep?

Left untreated, it’s possible for a cavity to eventually reach your nerve, which would put you in some serious pain. Once a cavity reaches a root, it will necessitate a much large procedure, such as a root canal or an extraction. Both of those procedures are much more involved than your everyday cavity filling.

Does a deep cavity require a root canal?

Root canal therapy may be needed if you have a decayed tooth that has reached the pulp and caused an infection. This option is chosen for severe cases when dental fillings are no longer a viable option. Persistent or severe tooth pain may be a sign you need a root canal.

How long does it take to fill 4 cavities?

A dental cavity filling takes about an hour or less to do. If you need several fillings, then your dentist may decide to treat them during multiple visits. After you get the filling, your tooth may feel sore or sensitive for several hours or days.

Can they fill a cavity on the gum line?

Treatment for a gumline cavity depends on the location of the cavity. If it’s above the gumline, and it’s not too extensive, your dentist can probably treat it like any other surface category: with a filling. Typically, this means drilling through the enamel on the tooth and then removing the decay.

Do gum line fillings hurt?

Here’s the typical procedure you can expect for a filling: Your dentist will dry the area, then they’ll administer a numbing gel. Once your gum is numb, they’ll inject a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine. If your dentist is experienced, this shouldn’t hurt.

How long do gum line fillings last?

Although they may not last as long as amalgams or some other materials, with good care, they can last up to 10 years.

What does a root cavity feel like?

As the decay gets larger, it may cause signs and symptoms such as: Toothache, spontaneous pain or pain that occurs without any apparent cause. Tooth sensitivity. Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold.