Cavities Specialist
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Nicholas Tsiolas, DDS
General Dentist located in Midtown East, New York, NY
If you’ve recently developed a toothache, or one of your teeth seems more sensitive than usual, you might have a cavity. It’s not only children who get cavities. Adults get them too. Nicholas Tsiolas, DDS, treats cavities quickly and painlessly, so don’t hold off on scheduling your dental exam. Neglecting your cavities will lead to more severe dental problems. Make your appointment at the Midtown, New York, office today.
Cavities Q&A
What is a cavity?
When foods like candy, soda, fruit, and bread stay on teeth, the bacteria in your mouth turns them into acids. Without brushing and flossing, the food, bacteria, and acid turn into plaque. Plaque that remains on your teeth too long begins to dissolve the enamel. This is tooth decay. Tooth decay causes tiny holes, or cavities, in teeth.
Children are prone to cavities because many haven’t yet mastered oral hygiene discipline. Their diets sometimes include more of the foods that cause decay. Adults are also vulnerable to cavities. As you age, your gums begin to pull away from your teeth, exposing the roots to plaque. Adults who didn’t receive good dental care as children might also experience decay around old fillings.
How are cavities treated?
During every dental check-up, Dr. Tsiolas checks for cavities. He probes for soft spots in your teeth, and he uses X-rays to see between your teeth.
Cavity treatment depends on how extensive the decay is. For smaller cavities, Dr. Tsiolas uses a drill to remove the portion of the tooth that has decayed. He fills the hole in with a safe, durable filling that mimics the look and feel of real teeth.
If more of the tooth has been damaged, a crown is needed. Dr. Tsiolas removes the decayed portion of the tooth before capping it with a crown that is cemented to the remaining part of the original tooth.
If the damage extends to the root or pulp of the tooth, you will likely need a root canal. During a root canal, Dr. Tsiolas removes the nerve, blood vessels, and tissue along with any decay. He fills the roots in and seals the tooth with a crown. He ensures you are always comfortable and pain-free during cavity treatment.
How do I prevent cavities?
Even with excellent, proactive dental hygiene, cavities still crop up. However, there are some steps everyone can take to fight the decay that leads to cavities:
- Brush after every meal
- Schedule regular dental check-ups
- Get fluoride treatments
- Avoid cavity-friendly foods
- Drink tap water because it has added fluoride
- Consider dental sealants to protect the tooth’s surfaces
When cavities are caught and treated early, the tooth can be preserved. Teeth with decay that has progressed too far often require extraction. Call or go online to book your dental exam at the first sign of pain or sensitivity.