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Hole in a Tooth

A tiny hole in a tooth is a precursor to cavities, tooth loss and potentially major dental problems. While you can’t always prevent the development of a hole in a tooth, at least you can catch it early with regular checkups, giving your dentist the opportunity to take care of it. To ensure you get the best preventive care in Downtown Manhattan, call Dr. Alex Shalman. At his boutique dental practice, you receive personalized attention and recommendations suited to your goals and your lifestyle. And you have access to a full suite of cosmetic services as well.

Initially, there’s no pain with a cavity, so you don’t notice it. But if the hole remains, bacteria enter and attack the tooth’s nerve, causing a lot of pain. There’s also a bigger risk of infection. Most early dental problems are hard to detect unless you have regular dental checkups. In Downtown Manhattan, visit Dr. Alex Shalman, who runs a boutique dental practice that offers exceptional dentistry services in a state-of-the-art facility. The practice offers a personalized approach to dental care, including all the common family dentistry and orthodontics procedures. But Dr. Shalman also specializes in cosmetic dentistry.

Do I Have a Hole in My Tooth?

Symptoms of dental cavities vary, depending on the extent of your tooth’s damage. Common signs that you may have a tiny hole in your tooth include:

• Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Unexplained toothaches
• Pain when you bite down on something hard
• Black or brown staining on the surface of a tooth

If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your family dentist for an early diagnosis. At Dr. Shalman’s Manhattan boutique dentistry practice, he uses the latest dental technology to diagnosis a cavity and provide immediate treatment.

What Causes a Hole in a Tooth?

Tooth decay is the leading cause of dental cavities. It happens when bacteria feed on food particles left on your tooth. Plaque then forms, which is difficult to remove by yourself. Besides damaging the tooth, the plaque creates a shield for the bacteria, and eventually, the process creates a hole through the enamel. The main causes of tooth decay resulting include:

• A diet high in sugar
• Acidic foods and beverages
• Improper dental hygiene
• A lack of fluoride
• Physical tooth damage caused by injury or clenching
• Acid reflux disease
• Worn-out or poorly prepared tooth fillings

Other factors that increase the risk of holes in your teeth include tooth location, frequent snacking and eating carbohydrate-rich foods that cling on your teeth. The only way to be certain that you don’t develop cavities and decay is to take proper care of your teeth.

Is a Hole in a Tooth Dangerous?

When not treated early, a hole in your tooth can lead to complications that may require more extensive dental work than just a simple cavity filling. Problems created by untreated cavities include:

• A tooth infection and abscess
• Inflammation and pus in the area surrounding the affected tooth
• The need to pull the tooth
• Gum disease
• Chronic bad breath
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Severe tooth pain that affects your daily life

Regular dental check-ups prevent the escalation of decay. If you do need restorative dental work, Dr. Shalman delivers a wide range of services to take care of the problem. Since he’s also among the top-rated cosmetic dentists, you’ll look as good as you feel.

How Is a Hole in a Tooth Treated?

Treatment for a hole in a tooth depends on the extent of damage. Advanced dentistry procedures enable your dentist to stop further decay and restore the affected tooth to its full function and appearance. Treatment options include:

• Tooth-colored fillings
• Tooth extraction
• Fluoride treatments
• Dental bonding
• Over-the-counter pain relievers, if necessary

To counter more extensive damage, Dr. Shalman may recommend a root canal procedure to remove the tooth’s nerve and save the tooth. He then places a dental crown over the tooth to protect it from further decay. But the best treatment by far for tooth decay is prevention.

How Can I Prevent a Hole in My Tooth?

While not all cavities are preventable, you can take steps to lower your risks. Your regularly scheduled, bi-annual dental check-ups ensure that if you do develop a tiny hole in a tooth, it’s stopped dead in its tracks. To prevent future cavities:

• Drink plenty of fluoridated water
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss at least once a day
• Get your teeth professionally cleaned at your regular dental check-ups
• Reduce consumption of sugary and starchy foods
• Avoid snacking
• Take advantage of dental sealants