Cavity Management

What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay, also known as cavities, is a common dental problem caused by bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria convert sugars from food into acids that erode tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of teeth. Over time, this erosion can create holes in the teeth, leading to pain, sensitivity, and potential tooth loss. If left untreated, tooth decay can progress to infect the tooth's pulp, the soft tissue in the center, causing severe pain and requiring root canal treatment or tooth extraction. Regular dental checkups, brushing, and flossing are essential for preventing tooth decay and maintaining oral health.

Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease

Dr. Randall and Dr. Julian in Red Bank, Tennessee

How do we fix it?

Our teeth are not immune to the environment around us. Every day, our teeth face the challenges of acidic food and beverages, chewing forces, and overall health our bodies. Cavities, caused by bacteria eroding tooth enamel, can lead to pain and sensitivity. If left untreated, the decay can spread deeper into the tooth, potentially reaching the nerve and causing severe pain. To prevent further damage and discomfort, we may need to repair the tooth with a filling or other restorative treatment, such as a crown. Read more below!

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Composite fillings are tooth-colored fillings made from a resin material that can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. If and when tooth decay becomes deep enough, a composite filling may be warranted to remove the decay and replace the missing tooth structure before the bacteria extend to the nerve of the tooth. At our office, we use the most high tech composite that, once cured, will blend seamlessly with the shade of the surrounding tooth structure. Oftentimes, the filing may not be noticeable once completed! Although an amalgam (silver) or composite filling was placed in the past, these areas may need to be readdressed over time due to decay that starts at the junction of the tooth and the filling or structural failures.
What to expect before & after the procedure?

The dentist will anesthetize the area where the filling will be performed

After achieving profound numbness, the decay will be removed with a series of instruments

Once the cavity is prepared, the composite filling material will be placed, cured, and shaped to the natural contours of the tooth

The filling material will be completely set when you leave the office, but beware that the area will remain numb up to a few hours later

Some sensitivity and soreness is normal and should clear up in a few days

If issues persist with your bite or overall feel of the new filling, contact our office as soon as possible
Crowns and bridges are two types of restorations that we custom-shape and color match to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Many situations may necessitate placement of a dental crown, including decay, cracks, or root canal treatment. Using CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic) technology, we are able to prepare your tooth, design a crown, fabricate, and cement a crown in one day. Our experience in this technology allows us to mill custom dental crowns during your appointment, conveniently cutting treatment time from two visits to only one! Some situations may necessitate use of a temporary crown over a 2-3 week period while final crowns are fabricated.
What to expect before & after the procedure?

The dentist use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area for the procedure, then use specialized tools to clean the area, remove any decayed material, and rid the tooth of bacteria.

The dentist will then carefully reshape the tooth to accommodate a dental crown. After reshaping the tooth, we take an impression of the tooth to use when making your permanent crown. Most of the time, permanent crowns can be made with CEREC same-day crowns technology the same visit as the tooth is reshaped!

We will make final adjustments to the shape and position of the crown, then set it into place using specialized dental cement. Once in place, your new crown will blend in perfectly with your natural teeth!

Some soreness and discomfort following the procedure is normal, but contact our office if sensitivity or pain persist longer than a few days
Root canals most commonly become necessary when a cavity or dental decay penetrates through the enamel and dentin of a tooth, reaching the fleshy dental pulp at the center of the tooth. At this point, the infection is in danger of spreading farther down into the jawbone. Root canals allow us to prevent tooth extraction, healing a tooth that might otherwise be irreparable. Treatment removes the infection and all diseased or dead tissue from the tooth, refilling the canal in which the pulp resides (called the “root canal”) with a strong, biocompatible material. Root canals may seem daunting, but with our training and technology, your treatment at our office will be comfortable and efficient. Many times, we are able to perform root canals and restore teeth with dental crowns all in one appointment!
What to expect before & after the procedure?

The dentist will use a special device to remove decayed tooth material, as well as any damaged, decayed, or dead dental pulp.

With the decayed tissue removed and the infection cleaned, we will then finish cleaning and shaping the area for reconstruction.

Using a strong, biocompatible filler material, we will fill in the root canal of the tooth

Commonly, after root canals, teeth will need to be capped with dental crowns to provide strength and protection. We use our CEREC technology to make this possible on the day of your treatment!

Some soreness and discomfort following the procedure is normal, but contact our office if sensitivity or pain persist longer than a few days
Preserving the health of your smile is always our priority, and we do all we can to ensure this can be done through treatments that save your natural teeth. However, there are certain instances where maintaining or reestablishing proper oral health includes tooth extractions. Many reasons exist that necessitate tooth extractions. We will work with you to explain your oral condition and why we would recommend an extraction to preserve your smile and overall health.
What to expect before & after the procedure?

We use local anesthetics to ensure that you feel little to no discomfort during your procedure. If you feel you may need additional assistance calming your nerves, we offer custom sedation options to assure complete relaxation while you are here.

During your procedure you will only feel a slight, mild sensation of pressure as the tooth is being extracted

The recovery period and procedure will depend on how we decide to replace your tooth, but it usually involves keeping the site of the extraction clean, avoiding tough, chewy, or sticky foods, and taking care not to disturb the site during brushing and flossing

The dentist may discuss options with you about replacing the tooth to be extracted, which may involve various types of dentures, bridges, or implants