Discover some of the warning signs that might mean you have a cavity.

No one wants to deal with a cavity; however, it’s one of the most common dental problems that both kids and adults face. In fact, about 91 percent of American adults between the ages of 20-64 had at least one cavity in 2012; however, our Huntsville, AL, dentist, Dr. Michael Pugh, wants to make sure you get the dental care you need to ward off cavities and also to treat them should they happen to you.

So, you might be wondering about the most common signs and symptoms of a cavity. After all, the sooner you discover these warning signs the sooner you can seek treatment. Unfortunately, sometimes cavities surface and we don’t even know it. That’s why making sure you visit your Huntsville general dentist every six months is the best way to know whether or not a cavity has surfaced. Even before a cavity surfaces, we will be able to pinpoint decay. In some instances, if we catch the decay soon enough it can be reversed with the proper oral care and maintenance before it turns into a full-blown cavity.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that cavities can’t sometimes cause symptoms such as a toothache or sudden tooth sensitivity. You may even notice a small brown or black spot on the tooth. If you notice any of these symptoms then it’s time to call your dentist as soon as possible.

How is a cavity treated?

If we do detect a cavity it will need to be treated right away. The only way to get rid of a cavity is to remove the decay. After the decay is completely removed we will need to restore the tooth both for strength and appearance. To do so we will place a dental filling.

More often than not we will place a tooth-colored dental filling because it most closely resembles the look and shade of natural tooth enamel. The filling is a special dental resin that is matched to the color of the tooth before it is applied in layers over the drilled areas of the tooth.

The resin is moldable so we can easily shape and contour it. After each layer is applied it is hardened into place with a special dental laser. Once the tooth is fully restored by the filling we will give the tooth a good polish so that the resin shines just like your natural tooth enamel.

Don’t let a cavity ruin your smile. Turn to Dr. Michael Pugh in Huntsville, AL, if you believe that you might have a cavity. The sooner you seek dental care for problems the better when it comes to the health of your smile. Call our office today.

Dental decay is a common issue for Americans, which is why root canal therapy is one of the most common dental treatments administered by dentists. In a way, root canal therapy can be considered a preventative measure, because it prevents unnecessary tooth loss or extraction. It’s preferable to keep all of your original teeth for as long as possible, if not for a lifetime. Keep an eye out for these signs that may indicate a need for a root canal session with Huntsville, AL, dentist Dr. Michael Pugh.

Intrinsic Discoloration
Watch for what is called intrinsic discoloration, which is a darkening of the teeth at the inner layers. It may be an indication of either dental trauma or disease. When one tooth starts to lose its color while the others stay the same, that is an isolated issue that may be related to a single tooth's infection or decaying nerve tissue.

Severe Tooth or Jaw Pain
Mild tooth sensitivity sometimes happens in patients when they eat certain foods, but it is not normal to experience severe sharp tooth pain. Pain is a sign that the nerves of the tooth are irritated or infected. That infected tissue must be completely removed by your Huntsville, AL dentist to get relief and save the tooth.

Boils, Bumps, and Other Gum Abnormalities
Sometimes when there is a problem inside of a tooth, evidence will start to show along the gumline. If you notice any bumps or boils forming on the gums (especially if it’s in a painful spot) this could be a sign of a dental abscess or infection. Check the gums for swelling and redness as well.

Make the Appointment
Despite the myths and fears about root canals, this treatment is often the best choice for keeping your smile healthy and disease-free. Contact Huntsville, AL, dentist Dr. Michael Pugh at (256) 536-3386 today to schedule an appointment.