In a cavity’s earliest stages, you’ll probably feel it before you see it. You may experience pain from bite pressure or sensitivity to heat or cold. As the decay accelerates, the damage will become visible and you’ll be able to spot the cavity as a hole or dark spot on the tooth. The key is to trust your feelings and call your dentist as soon as you notice discomfort. 

Preventing tooth decay is a twofold process. A healthy, balanced diet provides less fuel for the bacteria that eat away at enamel and cause inflammation. Limit refined sugars, carbohydrates, and acidic foods, especially between meals. A dedicated dental regimen that includes brushing and flossing at least twice a day removes plaque and debris from tooth surfaces and between the teeth.

The types of materials used in dental fillings have evolved over the years, and today’s fillings are more resilient than ever. Composite fillings are matched closely to the color of your natural teeth and bonded directly to tooth surfaces. As such, they’re less noticeable and more versatile than other types of dental fillings. However, they are less durable than traditional silver amalgam fillings, which last twice along, but are prone to other issues like fracturing or discoloring the surrounding tooth structure. Porcelain ceramic fillings offer the best of both worlds, boasting both a natural appearance and longevity. However, their price point may be prohibitive for some patients, comparable to gold as a dental filling material. 

Both dental bridges and dental implants address the matter of missing teeth, but they do so in different fashions. A dental bridge is a sequence of one or more false teeth (pontics) supported by abutments (existing teeth or implants) that literally “bridge” the gap created by the missing tooth or teeth. A dental implant is a crown anchored into the jaw bone with a titanium screw and is almost like an entirely new tooth. For a more in-depth explanation of the differences between dental bridges and implants, read our linked blog post.

Yes! Most dentists will utilize a local anesthetic such as novocaine or lidocaine around where the work is being performed, except during more drastic procedures such as bone grafts to replace missing jaw structure or when multiple implants need to be placed. Sleep Dentistry with Dr. Mahoney utilizes general anesthesia, which allows more work to be done in fewer visits and with no pain or recall of the procedures.

That depends on the extent of the work being done and whether or not you have dental insurance. Composite fillings average about $250 per tooth but can cost more if more surfaces need to be filled. A dental crown can range from $800 to $1,700 because of the more involved process. Traditional dental bridge costs usually fall between $2,000 and $5,000. The cost of dental implants ranges widely, from $1,500 to $30,000, depending on how many are needed. 

When toothaches intensify in frequency in severity, gums swell and bleed, teeth shift, and it becomes difficult to chew or process food, it may time to consider dentures — especially if you are already missing teeth.