If you find that you have a cavity in a tooth, you are far from alone.  While learning that you have a cavity may be concerning, cavities are among the most common dental situations.  More than 90% of adults have had a cavity, and of those 90%, 1 in 4 currently have untreated cavities. 

Also known as tooth decay, a cavity is essentially a tiny hole that forms in a tooth.  They are caused by dental plaque that forms in the mouth, and the acid in plaque slowly eats away at the tooth’s enamel, the hard outer layer that is intended to protect your teeth from decay.  Aside from potential pain, if left untreated, a cavity will likely grow larger and deeper, resulting in more serious issues such as severe toothache, infection, and even tooth loss.

While there are several treatments and practices that can help prevent cavities, if you have a cavity that has progressed beyond the outer enamel layer, your dentist can remove the decayed area of the tooth and replace this removed area with a restoration, more commonly known as a filling.  Fillings can be made of dental amalgam, which is a mixture of metals, a composite material, or tooth-colored porcelain for a more natural look.

As with all dental care, it is important to have regular visits with your dentist for tooth cleaning, polishing, and other treatments which can help prevent cavities from forming, as well as for examinations and X-rays that can spot cavities so they can be treated quickly.