Tooth DecayLake Oswego, OR

Tooth decay can be referred to in a variety of terms; many patients call it cavities, dental professionals often use the term caries, tooth decay is the damage that occurs to a tooth from the acids made by bacteria that thrives in food debris and plaque.  At Nicholas Dose, DMD - Family Dental Care we take the time to educate our patients on the importance of removing decay-causing bacteria through daily oral hygiene.  We also demonstrate brushing and flossing techniques and point out trouble spots, for patients who have higher levels of decay we can place sealants to serve as a barrier.  Gaining the information, tools, and preventive steps can decrease your incidence of decay, and help you have healthier teeth longer. 

The Decay of Teeth

Tooth decay begins with bacteria.  Our mouths are constantly exposed large amounts of bacteria; it’s in the food we eat and the air we breathe.  As we eat food, our body naturally creates a material known as plaque.  Plaque is a blend of food, saliva, and bacteria.  Plaque gathers and accumulates in your mouth, and finally resting between your teeth and along the gum line at the base of your teeth.  Bacteria thrives in plaque, it happily feeds on the sugars that are so often found in much of our food, and as the bacteria feed, it emits an acid that decays our teeth.  If a patient brushes their teeth at least twice a day, they are more likely to remove the plaque while it is still soft.  Plaque that remains can then dry and become hard, this is known as tartar. 

Tartar is calcified plaque.  It is difficult to remove through brushing and the cause of tooth decay.  As the tooth decays, there are varying restorations that we can perform depending on the severity of the decay. 

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Small amounts of decay: Limited decay can be removed easily.  This is what patients refer to as having a cavity, or caries.  The decay is small in size and the hard enamel layer of the tooth.  We remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then fill the space with tooth filling material such as amalgam or composite filler. 

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Larger amounts of decay: If Dr. Dose has to remove a significant portion of the tooth, we may recommend a more durable filling.  This may include a partial crown, known as an inlay or onlay, or we may recommend a full crown.  Dental crowns provide added strength to a tooth whose structure has been substantially compromised. 

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Root Canal Therapy: If decay is not resolved early, the decay can work its way deep into the tooth.  A deep cavity can lead to a bacterial infection inside the pulp, or inner portion, of the tooth.  Infected pulp cannot heal on its own, and should not be ignored.  To save the tooth, and prevent the infection from spreading, we need to go inside the tooth and remove the source of the infection, clean the canal, and fill it with the medicated material.  This process is known as a root canal.  Following this therapeutic procedure, we cap the tooth with a dental crown to provide additional strength. 

Protecting your teeth from decay is important, there are steps you can take to help.  Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing before you retire each night, and using an antibacterial mouthwash daily, can make a significant difference in the health of your teeth.