Our eating habits and oral hygiene practices heavily influence cavities. Cavities are tooth decay. Bacteria that reside in the mouth feed off the sugar (fructose, sucrose, and glucose) and use this to produce acid. The acid breaks down the dentin, cementum, and enamel. The decay leads to infection and pain. Cavities can be prevented by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss or use an interdental cleaner once a day, and receive dental check ups twice a year. Dr. Ricardo Castaneda, D.M.D. is an Emergency dentist that can help you combat cavities with a total cavity prevention program.

Cavity Prevention

As an Emergency dentist, doctor Castaneda believes in cavity prevention and prophylactic measures. One successful cavity prevention tool is dental sealants. A colorless plastic coating is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars). This prevents food from entering the pits and fissures of these teeth. Cavities are an irreversible infection that can be removed by your dentist. He will numb the cavity area and remove the decayed area. He will then place a filling inside the tooth. The decay is now gone and the risk of further infection is eliminated. Patients are also advised to limit between meal snacks. The more foods that are eaten throughout the day provide the bacteria with a constant source of sugar and therefore increase the production of acid. It is best to brush the teeth after meals or chew a sugar free gum with xylitol to help prevent cavities. Regular dental check ups can also help people to prevent and diagnose cavities in early stages for proper treatment.

Cavity Treatment

Dr. Ricardo Castaneda, D.M.D. practices dentistry from his Miami office location. He serves Coral Gables, Kendall, Miami, and other surrounding cities with trusted dental services. He provides tooth colored composite resin fillings that provide a durable, long lasting, and attractive fix for cavity treatment. The cavity will be removed and the tooth will be restored. The result is an unnoticeable natural appearance. To schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Castaneda call (305) 598-6665 or for a dental emergency call his beeper (305) 580-2928.

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This patient has been putting off going to the dentist for many years.  His lower left first molar would hurt every once in a while, however it would resolve itself and life goes on.  One day the pain was severe enough to have him visit the weekend dentist Dr. Ricardo Castaneda,  he performed a diagnostic exam and determined that the tooth had severe decay and that the tooth would more than likely require a root canal, a post-core, and a crown.

However, because the apical (lower) portion of the root did not demonstrate any pathology there was a very slight chance that the tooth could be restored back to its original shape and function without the need of  root canal treatment, if an abscess would have been present on the apex of the root, a root canal would have been absolutely required.

Therefore, Dr. Ricardo Castaneda, decided to proceed with great care and patience to slowly remove the decayed portion of the tooth.  Although the decay extended deep into the tooth, Dr. Castaneda’s diligence paid off.  The tooth could be restored without the need of a root canal.  His patient smiled once again when he informed him of the outcome.

After removing all of the infected tooth structure, Dr. Castaneda placed a special medicated paste to protect  the nerve and promote the formation of new tooth structure.  A component was placed, which helps significantly reduces sensitivity to hot/cold; a much added benefit.

The tooth is now ready to be restored as would any other cavity.  A root canal was avoided and what should have been a drawn out, costly procedure was resolved within an hour at a minimal cost, thanks to Dr. Ricardo Castaneda’s patience and devotion to treating  all his patients as he would his own family.