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Is There One Type of Cavity That Is Worse Than Another?

Posted on 4/1/2024 by Weo Admin

3D rendering of three teeth, one each with an inlay, onlay, and dental crown

Getting a cavity is not something anyone is excited about. If our dentist does not treat them, a cavity can lead to the death of a tooth, an infected jawbone, or a massive infection of both teeth and gum tissue. While cavities are a problem no matter where they are or what type they are, some cavities are better to have than others.

The Smooth Surface Cavity

When a cavity occurs, it means that acids from bacteria have burrowed their way into the hard surface of your tooth. Tooth enamel is the toughest material in your body, so it can take a while before dental caries (decay) form. Once the dental caries reach the dentin inside your tooth - located just below the tooth enamel - they become cavities.

Smooth-surface cavities occur on the surface of your enamel but not on a biting surface. This means they are usually located on the sides or rear of your teeth. Smooth-surface cavities can be small and difficult to spot. However, our dentist can spot them and fix them easily.

Pit and Fissure Cavities

Unlike smooth-surface cavities, pit and fissure cavities occur on the biting surface of teeth. Usually, pit and fissure cavities happen on molars, as their uneven biting surface makes them the perfect location for a pit and fissure cavity. This type of cavity may be easier for you to spot because there may be pain involved, especially when you bite down on something. If the cavity becomes excessively large, you may need an inlay or an onlay to firm up the biting surface of your tooth.

Root Cavities

Root cavities can be the worst kind of cavity to get because of where they happen. They usually happen below the gumline or close to the gumline. Because root cavities are present in the area of your tooth root, they can be quite painful and can quickly lead to an infected tooth. If a root cavity is not fixed quickly, even the jawbone can become infected.

Are you not sure if you have a cavity? Give us a call today so we can have one of our dentists check your teeth.

Madison:

5709 Odana Road,
Madison, WI 53719

608-274-5970

Hours

Mon - Thurs: 7 am - 6 pm
Friday: 7 am - 2 pm

DeForest

502 Nelson Court,
DeForest, WI 53532

608-846-3302

Hours

Monday: 8 am - 5 pm
Tuesday: 7 am - 4 pm
Wednesday: 8 am - 5 pm
Thursday: 8 am - 5 pm
Friday: Closed

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