What are the different stages of tooth decay, from cavity to needing a root canal? If you are struggling with serious tooth decay issues, you should be aware that a simple deep cavity can lead to serious root infections that will require a root canal treatment. Nearly 25 million US citizens get a root canal treatment or filling every year. Even if you’re experiencing pain around your teeth and in your gums, not seeing a dentist can lead to serious health disorders forming diseases. This post is also directed toward helping you understand the importance of timely medical attention for your dental issues.
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You must never ignore any health issue unless advised by a doctor. A small condition can slowly become a huge problem for your overall physical and mental health in the form of severe disease. Here’s an example of understanding the stages during which a cavity becomes a root canal.
The Stages of Tooth Decay
There are overall five main stages of tooth decay, at the end of which it’s extremely difficult to save your tooth without removing/ replacing it with an artificial tooth. Here are those stages with brief detail:
1. First Stage
At the initial stage of decay, white spots start to form on the affected teeth. Although the spots are under the enamel, you can still see them. The demineralization of your teeth’s enamel is when harmful bacteria destroy the external surface and break into the dentin through the enamel.
2. Second Stage
In the second stage of the process, the tooth decay that’s taking place under the enamel surface speeds up. The tooth decay spreads slowly because the white spots remain under the enamel in the first stage. However, with the start of stage 2, the hole appears on the surface of your affected teeth.
3. Third Stage
As stated earlier, the enamel starts experiencing losses, and those may be in sections causing small parts of the enamel to break away due to severe demineralization. As the enamel breaks down, the harmful bacteria go down to the soft dentin layer inside the enamel. This stage is extremely difficult to reverse but offers chances to rectify the problem through advanced treatment. While the bacteria hasn’t reached the pulp yet, the pain will be present.
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4. Fourth Stage
This is when the bacteria (i.e., infection) have spread to the pulp, the bundle of delicate nerves collectively present at the root of the tooth. You can either get a root canal treatment or have the tooth extracted at this stage.
5. Fifth Stage
Stage five is the last stage of the tooth decay process. During this stage, the infection spreads and takes the whole pulp (collection of soft nerves at the tooth’s root) into control. Once the pulp is fully infected, the infection breaks through the tip and enters the connective tissue and then the jawbone leading to severe diseases with little to no chances of recovery.
Stages of Tooth Decay: Conclusion
Is your oral hygiene ineffective at keeping cavities away from your teeth and gums? Are you suffering from root canal infections slowly spreading around your gums? You should seek immediate medical attention at one of the best dental healthcare institutes. At Ideal Smiles Dental, we aim to make all our patients’ visits comfortable and convenient.
Whether you require treatment for tooth decay, cavities, or a root canal, you can view our experienced dentist lineup at Ideal Smiles Dental. Contact us today. We can schedule a free consultation for you with one of our expert dentists.
Young Bui, DDS
30 East 40th Street Suite 1201
New York, NY 10016
646-205-3045
Drendo4u@yahoo.com
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