Cavities
 Cavities and Fillings
Dr. John Halmaghi, a top dentist at Comfort Dental in Southfield, Michigan, will tell you that the most common dental need for our patients is taking care of their cavities. Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or cavity, occur when bacterial processes damage hard tooth structure (enamel, dentin and cementum). These tissues progressively break down, cavities.
Tooth decay is caused by specific types of acid-producing bacteria that cause damage in the presence of fermentable carbohydrates such as sucrose, fructose, and glucose. The mineral content of teeth is sensitive to increases in acidity from the production of lactic acid. Specifically, a tooth (which is primarily mineral in content) is in a constant state of back-and-forth demineralization and remineralization between the tooth and surrounding saliva.
When a cavity is present the decay is removed and restorative materials or a filling is used. Comfort Dental in Southfield, Michigan offers all types of fillings. Common types of fillings are amalgam, composite resin, porcelain, and gold. Composite resin and porcelain can be made to match the color of a patient's natural teeth and are thus used more frequently when aesthetics are a concern. Composite restorations are not as strong as dental amalgam and gold; some dentists consider the latter as the only advisable restoration for posterior areas where chewing forces are great. When the decay is too extensive, there may not be enough tooth structure remaining to allow a restorative material to be placed within the tooth. Thus, a crown may be needed.
Prevention
Personal hygiene care consists of proper brushing and flossing daily. The purpose of oral hygiene is to minimize any etiologic agents of disease in the mouth. The primary focus of brushing and flossing is to remove and prevent the formation of plaque. When used correctly, dental floss removes plaque from areas to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
The use of dental sealants is also another means of prevention. A sealant is a thin plastic-like coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars. This coating prevents food being trapped inside pits and fissures in grooves under chewing pressure so resident plaque bacteria are deprived of their function.
If would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. John Halmaghi at Comfort Dental in Southfield, Michigan to have your teeth examined, call 248-646-2273.
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