Types of Cavities

the three types of cavities

Types of Cavities 

The Types of Cavities

Cavities are more than simply an annoyance; they are a severe problem that must be addressed as soon as feasible. When you suspect a cavity, it is critical to determine the type of cavity so that it can be treated successfully. Today on the blog, Dr. Jinyoung Kim, the best dentist in Lexington KY, discusses the three types of cavities.

What Exactly Is a Cavity?

First, we need to discuss what is a cavity. A cavity is a hole in your tooth (also known as tooth decay or caries). Unless treated, it is an opening on the hard surface of your enamel that constantly expands. Importantly, the deeper the cavity, the more layers of your tooth are damaged.

Our Lexington KY dentist explains that the permanently injured area is also not without pain. Additionally, untreated cavities can cause significant pain and infection. An untreated cavity can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Cavities form for a variety of causes. The most common cause is a lack of dental hygiene. However, bacteria in your mouth, tooth trauma, and drinking sugary drinks can all affect the incidence and severity of cavities. That’s why it’s important to get your biannual teeth cleaning in Lexington KY.  

They’re also quite prevalent. More than 90% of adults in the United States have cavities. Furthermore, more than a quarter of the population suffers from untreated tooth decay.

Cavities Are Divided Into Three Types

The position of the hole on the tooth determines the type of cavity.

1. Cavities with Pits and Fissures

Pit and fissure cavities can be found on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. They are more frequently found on the back teeth. Food particles or plaque that become lodged in the grooves and fissures on the top of the teeth can create pit and fissure cavities.

Plaque and stuck food, combined with inadequate dental hygiene, frequently result in a pit and fissure cavity.

These sorts of cavities are easily treated if found early. Additionally, our friends at Shreveport Dental Solutions, 71105 dentist, says that these are the most common that they see in their practice. Fortunately, fluoride toothpaste can swiftly eliminate an early pit and fissure cavity. However, after the cavity has reached the dentin, the decay must be removed before the cavity may be treated.

2. Cavities with a smooth surface

Smooth-surface cavities form on the teeth’s flat external surface. They are most typically found on the sides of the mouth’s teeth. These are some of the slowest-growing cavities, as well as the rarest.

Smooth surface cavities, such pit and fissure cavities, occur when people do not brush properly or on a regular basis.

3. Cavities in the roots

Root cavities are found on the surface of the teeth’s roots. They are most common in older people. This is also the group most prone to receding gums and other gum problems.

When the gums recede, the roots become visible. As a result, they are sensitive to tooth decay. This is due to the fact that they lack the strong, protective enamel that teeth have.

Contact Park Hills Today For Lexington KY Teeth Cleaning

The best way to avoid cavities is of course, to maintain optimal oral hygiene. Contact our Lexington KY dentist today to book your dental cleaning. We’d love to help you get your oral health on track.

Benefits of Invisalign

benefits of Invisalign

Benefits of Invisalign 

Benefits of Invisalign Clear Aligners

Patients have been straightening their teeth with traditional braces for years. Luckily, Invisalign clear aligners are the next best thing. Now, patients are able to repair crooked teeth with removable aligner trays. This modern dental technology provides patients with a more efficient, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing treatment. Below, Dr. Kim, a cosmetic dentist in Lexington, KY, shares the benefits of Invisalign aligners.

Why Invisalign? 

For a lot of people trying to repair their crooked smile with traditional braces puts a big burden on their social life. Luckily, Invisalign aligners treat many dental problems such as crooked teeth, overbites, and crowded teeth. Misaligned teeth can lead to major dental problems if left untreated. That’s why dentists in Lexington, KY, suggest starting your orthodontic treatment before it’s too late.

Straight teeth decrease the risk of periodontal disease, a gum disease that may become serious enough to break down bone jaw tissue. This risk is minimized as straight teeth are easier to clean, removing harmful bacteria. Dr. Ben Kacos, an emergency dentist in Shreveport, LA, says that straight teeth help you to chew properly and prevent uneven grinding on your teeth. Straight teeth also match the mouth, which decreases pain and discomfort. Having straight teeth can also help clear airways and help people with sleep apnea.

Clear Aligners

There are so many benefits to Invisalign. Before we get into these benefits, let’s discuss how Invisalign is used. With new scanning technologies, your Lexington, KY dentist will use a dental scanner to scan your teeth and build custom clear aligners. Created with a medical-grade polyurethane resin, Invisalgin is virtually invisable. Every aligner is a custom fit designed for your teeth to slowly bring them to their position.

Invisible aligners must be worn for a minimum of 22 hours per day. Although they’re removable, they can’t straighten teeth unless you’re wearing them. It may be an adjustment at first, but they should be taken out during meals, and at any time you eat or drink something other than cold water. If correctly worn, most treatments last between 12 – 18 months. Luckily, in the first three months, you will begin to see changes in your teeth.

Benefits of Invisalign in Lexington, KY

Better Comfort

Removable clear aligners are way more comfortable than traditional braces. How? Patients often complain that their traditional metal brackets cut into their lips and cheeks. They can leave sores that are hard to heal. Your Lexington, KY dentist may recommend adding wax to the outside brackets. If you want to avoid this, try Invisalign instead.

Invisible aligners often have more direct control over straightening the teeth due to their custom fit. During your treatment, Dr. Kim will provide you with a series of aligners. Over time, these aligners will move your teeth and correct your smile.

Better Dental Hygiene

One of the best advantages of Invisalign is that it helps you to take better care of your teeth. After all, a happy smile is a healthy smile. Our goal is to enhance your smile while keeping tooth decay and gum disease at bay. With traditional metal braces, pieces of food and plaque are stuck around and inside brackets that are difficult to clean properly. If you are more susceptible to dental decay, consider Invisalign over traditional braces. With Invisalign, you can remove the aligners and continue with your daily dental routine. Flossing and brushing can all be carried out normally.

Boosts Self-Confidence

The most common reason for someone to straighten their teeth is the aesthetic appeal. Your smile are one of the first things you look at when you wake up, and your smile is the first thing that other people remember. If you don’t feel good about your teeth and smile, you won’t feel confident about yourself. Significant evidence suggests that straightening your teeth can improve self-esteem, particularly for teenagers.

Another advantage of invisible aligners is that they are made of translucent resin to match the teeth perfectly. This means that they’re virtually invisible because many people don’t even know that you’re straightening your teeth, unlike traditional braces. Teenagers may feel more self-conscious about their smile if they choose traditional braces.

Fewer Dental Visits

With conventional braces, you also need to see an orthodontic surgeon make sure the braces are fitted correctly. These visits can involve removing and replacing the bracket, adjusting the size of the wire, tightening specific brackets, and even wiring specific brackets together with extra wire. You could end up spending hours of your time waiting in your dental chair for your appointment.

With Invisalign, you won’t have to see your cosmetic dentist in Lexington, KY, as much. The appointments are quicker and less invasive than traditional braces. You’ll need to return every four to six weeks, but between now, you’re going to have a set of aligners to turn in every two weeks. Since aligners are already planned and built, you won’t need any additional dental work to fix your teeth.

Eat & Drink What You Want

With traditional braces, you are limited to foods that you can eat or drink, but with Invisalign, all foods and beverages are allowed. Our friends at Green Dental Care, a dental office in Parker, CO, agree that you shouldn’t eat sticky, hard, or crunchy food. This excludes caramel, gum, nuts, popcorn, ice, corn-on-the-cob, and apples. Luckily, with removable aligners, you don’t have to think about what you’re consuming.

The only food or drink that you can eat with your aligners is cold water. Otherwise, food particles can get stuck inside the aligners, causing bacteria and plaque build-up. When removed, they should be securely stored in their travel container to prevent contamination or loss. After you’ve done eating, you can try brushing your teeth or rinsing with water before putting your aligners back in so that you can stop any food particles from sticking between your teeth and the aligner.

Invisalign in Lexington, KY

As you can see, there are many benefits to Invisalign aligners. If you want to straighten your smile in a discrete way, Invisalign is the way to go. It’s not only comfortable but also more efficient than traditional braces. Although Invisalign corrects most dental problems, it’s not for everyone. Visit our dental office in Lexington, KY, to schedule an Invisalign consultation with Dr. Jin Young Kim. Contact Park Hills Family Dentistry today.