Cavity Treatment in San Diego, CA
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems, and when they are caught early they are simple to treat. At Apple Dental of San Diego, we find decay early and restore your teeth with natural-looking, tooth-colored fillings. Call (619) 236-9549 to schedule a checkup for you or your family.
How Cavities Form
A cavity is a permanently damaged area in the hard surface of your tooth. It starts when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches from food and drinks and produce acids. These acids slowly dissolve the enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth. Without treatment, the decay moves deeper into the dentin and eventually reaches the nerve, causing pain and possible infection.
Signs You May Have a Cavity
Small cavities often cause no symptoms at all, which is why regular dental exams are so important. As decay grows, you may notice:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- A toothache or pain when biting down
- Visible holes, pits, or dark spots on a tooth
- Brown, black, or white staining on the tooth surface
- Food frequently getting stuck in the same spot
Risk Factors for Tooth Decay
Cavities can affect anyone at any age. Your risk is higher if you snack often or sip sugary drinks throughout the day, have a dry mouth, do not get enough fluoride, have deep grooves in your back teeth, or have older fillings that are wearing down. Children and older adults are especially prone to decay, and receding gums can expose root surfaces that decay more easily.
How We Find and Treat Cavities
At Apple Dental of San Diego, we use a careful visual exam along with digital X-rays to find decay early, often before you feel anything. Our intraoral camera shows you close-up images of the affected tooth so you can see the problem for yourself.
Treatment depends on the size of the cavity:
- Small to moderate decay: We remove the damaged area and restore the tooth with a natural-looking, tooth-colored filling.
- Large cavities: When too much of the tooth is affected for a filling, a porcelain crown restores strength and appearance.
- Decay that reaches the nerve: Root canal therapy removes infection and saves the natural tooth.
Cavities in Children
Baby teeth matter. They help children chew, speak, and hold space for adult teeth. Our pediatric cavities and fillings care treats children gently, and dental sealants and preventive dentistry help keep new cavities from forming.
How to Prevent Cavities
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, limit sugary snacks and drinks, drink plenty of water, and keep up with checkups and cleanings every six months. Learn about other common dental conditions we treat.
Cavity FAQs
How do I know if I have a cavity?
Early cavities often have no symptoms. As decay grows, you may notice sensitivity, pain when biting, or visible holes or dark spots. Regular exams and X-rays catch cavities early.
Can a cavity heal on its own?
Once a cavity forms a hole in the tooth, it cannot heal on its own. Very early enamel weakening may be helped by fluoride, but true cavities need professional treatment.
What kind of fillings do you use?
We use tooth-colored fillings that blend in with your natural teeth for a discreet, natural-looking result.
Does getting a filling hurt?
We numb the area before treatment, so most patients feel little or no discomfort during a filling. Mild sensitivity afterward usually fades within a few days.
What happens if a cavity is not treated?
Untreated decay grows deeper into the tooth and can reach the nerve, leading to pain, infection, and the need for a root canal, crown, or extraction.
How can I prevent cavities?
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, limit sugary foods and drinks, and visit the dentist every six months for cleanings and exams.
Do you treat cavities in children?
Yes. We gently treat cavities in children and offer sealants and preventive care to help protect their teeth from future decay.
Stop Tooth Decay Early
Early treatment keeps cavities small and repairs simple. Call (619) 236-9549 or request an appointment online to schedule your exam.