What’s the Difference Between A Cavity and a Dental Infection?

Cavities and dental infections aren’t actually that different from one another, although one of them is far more serious than the other. The most important to remember is that if you have a dental health problem, whether it’s a cavity or an infection, it’s important to get it treated as soon as possible. Both problems can lead to pain and loss of a permanent tooth if the problems aren’t corrected.

Your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, can help. We offer fillings and help patients with treatment for dental infections. This is what you should know.

What’s a Cavity?

A cavity is a hole in your tooth enamel. Cavities are caused by tooth decay due to a combination of poor oral hygiene practices, bacteria in the mouth, and too much sugar consumption. People who drink sugary sodas and snack on treats may experience more cavities.

What’s a Dental Infection?

A dental infection is something that can happen when a cavity goes untreated for a long time. As the tooth decay grows, it can reach the tender pulp inside the tooth. Eventually, that pulp can become infected. Dental infections are very painful. Eventually, an infected tooth may need to be extracted if it’s not treated.

How Are They Treated?

Dental cavities are treated with fillings. Dental fillings in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, take two forms: amalgam (silver fillings) and composite (tooth colored). Talk to your dentist at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry about these two options to decide which one you prefer.

If you have a dental infection, you’ll need a root canal. A root canal is an emergency procedure your dentist will use to clean the tooth and protect the remaining enamel.

Have questions? Think you might have a cavity or a dental infection? Call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry today for treatment.