, Dr. Amanda Foust, may have to restore the tooth with a dental filling or root canal treatment (depending on the severity of your condition).
Look Here for Some Answers
Q: How do bacteria infect my teeth?
A: Your tooth is made of three layers. The outer layer, called tooth enamel, is comprised of super-resilient mineral crystals that form the hardest substance your body produces. Enamel protects dentin, the main structure of your tooth, from infectious bacteria that lead to tooth decay. In a chamber at the center of your tooth, called the pulp, lies a mass of nerves and blood vessels that are connected to roots, which extend into your jawbone.
Q: What happens if I don’t treat tooth decay?
A: Tooth decay is a progressive disease, meaning it doesn’t stop until you’ve treated it. If you don’t, or if you hesitate, then the infection will continue consuming your tooth until it can no longer be restored. Once the bacteria penetrate dentin and reach the pulp, they may kill the living tissues and spread infection through the roots. Often, an abscess (pocket of infection) can form on the tooth root, damaging the jawbone around it.
Q: What are the treatments for tooth decay?
A: If demineralization is detected before the enamel is compromised, then it might be reversed with fluoride treatments, improved hygiene at home, and more frequent visits to your family dentist to ensure that the condition is being properly controlled. Mild to moderate tooth decay that is caught at the dentin can be restored by cleaning the cavity and reinforcing it with a filling. When the pulp’s tissues are infected, Dr. Foust typically recommends a root canal treatment to remove the infected tissue, seal the roots, and restore the tooth. Severe cases of tooth decay may call for a tooth extraction to prevent the imminent spread of infection.
About Dr. Amanda Foust
If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Foust, you can reach her by calling Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA at (515) 965-0230. Since 2006, Dr. Amanda Foust has proudly treated families in Ankeny, Alleman, Elkhart, Bondurant, and all surrounding communities.
