3 Signs It’s a Cavity  

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Cavities are a common problem that can be experienced by people young and old. Some signs and symptoms of cavities are easily mistaken for other problems. Knowing when there’s a problem can help you decide it’s time to see the dentist in West Salem, WI. If you’re experiencing the symptoms below, or just a handful of those symptoms, call your dentist at Allen Dental today.

What Is a Cavity?

A cavity is a hole in the tooth formed by tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs because of bacteria in the mouth and consumption of sugary foods and drinks, as well as poor oral hygiene habits. Cavities can get larger over time, if they’re not addressed by the dentist.

Signs of a Cavity

There are many signs of cavities, including:

  • Sensitivity to extreme temperatures
  • Visible holes in the teeth, which may look like black spots on the teeth
  • Pain when biting down
  • Toothache, either when biting down or for no obvious reason

How to Prevent Cavities

You can avoid cavities! Take care of your teeth. There are many things you can do to prevent this problem.

  • Brush and floss regularly. Brush twice daily, floss once each day.
  • Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and combat dental decay.
  • Visit the dentist. At Allen Dental, we can help keep your teeth clean to prevent cavities.
  • Avoid frequent snacking. Sugar can cause dental decay. Snacking on sugary foods throughout the day can lead to cavities.

See the Dentist for Cavity Care

Do you have a cavity, or are you experiencing the symptoms of a cavity? See the dentist as soon as possible. Untreated dental decay can lead to a broken tooth, infection and more. Contact Allen Dental for cavity removal in West Salem, WI. Call today.

 

 

4 Signs You Need to Visit the Dentist

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Regular dental visits are essential for good oral health and for good overall health. When people skip dentist visits, there are almost always negative repercussions. Nevertheless, sometimes people do forego dental visits even though they are in their best interests. But when you notice any of the following signs, it’s definitely time to book your dentist visit in West Salem.

1. There’s a Bump On Your Gum Line

Your gums are supposed to be relatively flat and smooth along the upper edges of your teeth. When a gum infection occurs, there will be a noticeable bump over the tooth. This won’t go away on its own, no matter how long you wait. Only your dentist can help.

2. Your Teeth Are Shifting

If you can sense that your teeth are shifting, this is a sign you should see your dentist in Rancho Mirage right away. Teeth are not supposed to shift position. This can be a sign of periodontal disease or something else very serious.

3. It’s Been a Long Time

Experts recommend that you see your dentist at least once every six months. If it’s been a long time since you last visited your dentist, you need to book an appointment as soon as you can. Bear in mind that many dental problems can be easily taken care of if they are caught in the early stages. The longer you wait, the more serious they can become.

4. You Have Chronic Bad Breath

Bad breath on a consistent basis can be a sign that there’s something else going on. Visit your dentist and let them know what your symptoms are so you can be diagnosed and treated. Chances are, your bad breath can be cleared up once the underlying cause is found.

Your dentist in Rancho Mirage is ready to help you attain optimal oral health. Contact us today to book your next appointment!

 

Best Cavity Treatment: Laser Cavity Removal vs Fillings

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If you have a cavity, the tried-and-true method of treating it has long been fillings. You may have had a few other options available, such as crowns, but nothing as cutting-edge as the modern alternative of laser cavity removal. Let’s compare laser cavity removal to fillings to see the best cavity treatment between the two. We’ll give you a hint: laser cavity removal has the edge.

Dental Fillings

Fillings have been a common option for cavity treatment. You may have one or more in your mouth at the moment, so you’ve been through the experience. During this procedure, the dentist usually numbs the area with a local anesthetic, drills into the tooth, removes the decay, cleans the area and fills it in. The material of the filling can vary, but today it’s common to get a composite resin filling that looks like a real tooth.

Laser Cavity Removal

Now, you can choose laser cavity removal, which has revolutionized the cavity treatment arena compared to previous options. Laser cavity removal has distinct benefits over fillings. Usually, it doesn’t require anesthesia, so it prevents pain from the shot, the waiting period for it to work and the ongoing numbness after you leave. Yet the procedure is generally pain-free. A major benefit is that there’s no need for drilling, which is a top fear of going to the dentist. This method uses a quiet laser to perform the procedure instead. Also, the laser makes the procedure quick and easy for the dentist to perform, getting you out of the office in no time.

You’ll only find laser cavity removal at a dental office that has upgraded to this technology. At Allen Dental, we offer the Solea dental laser to provide cavity removal and other dental procedures.