Tooth enamel is the hardest material in the human body. Enamel is a resilient surface composed of 96% mineral making it denser than any other tissue in the human body. While tooth enamel is both durable and resistant to damage, tooth enamel is not impervious and becomes vulnerable when good oral hygiene is neglected.
The progression of tooth decay starts with plague and bacteria building up on the surface of the tooth creating acid. The acid that is created begins to erode the tooth enamel and once the acid breaks through the enamel layer the decay spreads faster through the tooth layer known as the dentin. Dentin is significantly softer than enamel and decay will begin to spread rapidly from this point forward.
Once the infection is past the dentin layer it begins to penetrate the pulp chamber of the tooth. Once a dental infection has breached the pulp of the tooth, the cost to restore the tooth goes up exponentially and in the overwhelming majority of cases must be treated using root canal therapy.
It’s important to remember that a cavity doesn’t suddenly occur overnight and that a cavity can become a root canal in as little as a few months. This is why your dentist encourages you to come in every six months so that small dental problems can be addressed earlier before they become larger and more expensive.
If you’re experiencing even the slightest tooth pain we highly recommend you make an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible. If diagnosed early enough you can avoid the time and expense of a root canal and help keep your smile for a lifetime.
Are You Searching For A Martinsburg Area Dentist For You Or Your Family?
If you’re searching for an experienced dentist please feel free to contact us online or call our Martinsburg, West Virginia dental office directly at 304.267.6059 to schedule your appointment. We provide a wide range of general dentistry care as well as more involved dentistry services for patients throughout the Martinsburg area and look forward to you joining the Cornerstone Dental family.