Tooth Decay

Serving Patients in Vancouver WA

Tooth decay is the softening or destruction of your tooth enamel– which is the hard, outer layer of your tooth. If left untreated, permanent holes (cavities) will form in your teeth, leading to severe toothaches, infection and tooth loss. Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry of Vancouver, WA offers many treatment methods if one or more of your teeth have to be pulled as a result of tooth decay.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Major causes of tooth decay are:

• Sugary drinks and foods
• Poor oral hygiene
• Frequent snacking
• Medical issues
• Dry mouth
• Acid and mouth bacteria

Tooth decay is a process. Once the decay breaks through the enamel of your tooth, a cavity forms. Eventually, that cavity will spread and go deeper into the tooth layers.

Tooth Decay Symptoms

The signs of tooth decay will vary depending on its location and the extent of the decay. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, schedule an appointment with us. Our dentists will examine your teeth, and offer you a diagnosis and plan of action.

• Toothache
• Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
• Brown or black spots on your tooth
• Holes or pits on your tooth
• Bad breath
• Loose fillings

You may not be aware you have tooth decay, some people may not show symptoms at all. That’s why it’s important to receive regular checkups by a dentist. At Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry, we’ll examine your entire mouth and we may be able to prevent any further tooth decay.

Tooth Decay Treatment

Filling

If your tooth decay has developed into a cavity, you’ll want to see a dentist to have it properly filled. This can help prevent further decay. If you already have fillings, you’ll want to have them looked at occasionally. The fillings can weaken or break down over time, exposing the cavity.

Crown

If your tooth decay is more severe, your dentist will opt for a crown to repair the damage. A crown is a cap made out of porcelain, metal or gold that completely covers the damaged tooth. Your crown can also be made to match your surrounding teeth.

Extraction

If the damage is so severe and your tooth cannot be treated from the above options, your tooth will need to be extracted, or pulled. We provide two types of teeth extraction procedures at our office: simple extraction and surgical extraction. Both can be performed in one visit.

Dental Implants for Teeth Restoration

If your teeth have to be pulled as a result of tooth decay, we provide restoration options, with our number one recommendation being dental implants. A dental implant is an artificial tooth made of ceramic that’s surgically placed in your mouth to replace the missing tooth or teeth. The biggest benefit? Dental implants are permanent. They attach to your jawbone with the use of a titanium post and they look and act like normal teeth. So not only are they low-maintenance, you can continue to enjoy your favorite foods worry-free, and other people won’t even know the difference!

Treating Tooth Decay

If you are showing signs of tooth decay, contact Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry. We’ll examine your teeth and perform the necessary dental restoration options, including dental implants. We accept all major insurance providers and have financial assistance options available, so contact us today we look forward to helping you keep the dazzling smile you deserve!