One of the most common reasons for a visit to a general dentist in Jacksonville, FL is to treat a cavity. One question we often receive in our office is, “Can a cavity heal without treatment?” take a look at how a cavity forms and more below.

How a Cavity Forms

Cavities begin to occur when remineralization is not allowed to occur at a rate that sustains the health of a tooth. Just like the rest of the bones in the body, teeth are constantly remineralized. Issues with excessive bacteria, poor nutritional intake, and lack of oral hygiene can impede the process and a cavity starts to form. While the small point of weakness can be invisible to the naked eye at first, with time, the enamel breaks down further and the tooth is affected on a deeper level.

A Look at Remineralization

When a cavity is in its very beginning stages when only the outer enamel has a point of weakness, proper cleaning, nutrition, and monitoring may allow the point of enamel weakness to “heal.” However, this only applies to the most slight enamel disruptions.

Dental Filling Treatment

The best way to treat a cavity and prevent it from growing is to seek dental treatment immediately. If the damage is too deep into the tooth for remineralization to occur, a dental filling will be the only way to protect the tooth for the future. A filling involves removing the damaged material and sealing it with a composite or amalgam filler material.

Discuss Cavities with a Jacksonville, FL Dentist for the Best Advice

All cavities should be carefully evaluated and addressed by a good dentist in Jacksonville, FL. If you have concerns about cavities and decay, reach out to our office at Mandarin Dentistry to schedule an appointment.