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  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
    • Locations
    • OUR DOCTORS
    • Purpose & Values
    • FOR YOUR COMFORT
    • NEWS & EVENTS >
      • EVENT PHOTOS
    • COMMUNITY OUTREACH
    • CAREERS
  • SERVICES
    • GENERAL DENTISTRY >
      • CLEANINGS
      • CROWNS & BRIDGES
      • DENTAL IMPLANTS
      • DENTURES
      • Fillings
      • INLAYS & ONLAYS
      • PERIODONTAL CARE
      • ROOT CANAL THERAPY
      • Sealants
    • COSMETIC DENTISTRY >
      • BONDING
      • Full Mouth Makeover
      • GUM CONTOURING
      • TEETH WHITENING
      • VENEERS
      • INVISALIGN®
    • PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
    • PERIODONTAL CARE
    • Sedation
    • NEUROMUSCULAR
    • SNORE APPLIANCES
    • DENTAL EMERGENCIES
  • PATIENT REVIEWS
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  • PATIENT RESOURCES
    • PAY YOUR BILL
    • NEW PATIENTS
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CALL TODAY!

NAPOLEON (877)216-9296

DELTA (855)222-3268

SYLVANIA (877) 216-8354

How Tooth Decay Progresses

Tooth decay is a bacterial infection of the tooth. Commonly known as cavities, if decay is not removed early, it can progress to broken and chipped teeth, abscesses, and eventually tooth loss. Cavities are caused by plaque bacteria that converts the sugars from your food and drinks into acids that break down your teeth.  Good oral hygiene can prevent plaque build-up, which minimizes the risk of tooth decay.
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STAGES OF DECAY

Stage 1: Demineralization
The outer layer of your teeth is composed of enamel - the hardest tissue in your body. As your teeth are exposed to the acids created by plaque, it breaks down the minerals in your enamel. When this happens, you may see a white spot on your tooth, which is a sign of demineralization and decay. There is typically no pain associated with demineralization and at this stage.
Stage 2: Decay of Enamel
As tooth decay continues, your enamel breaks down further, sometimes creating small cavities or caries in your enamel. There is typically no pain associated with surface level cavities. Cavities may be filled by your dentist to prevent further decay.
​Stage 3: Decay of Dentin
If this small cavity is not filled, the decay will progress to the dentin - the tissue that lies under your tooth enamel. Dentin is softer than enamel, allowing tooth decay to proceed at a faster rate. Dentin also connects to the nerves of your tooth and decay may cause you to experience sensitivity,  particularly with hot or cold foods or drinks. These cavities may be filled by your dentist to prevent further pain and more extensive and costly treatment to restore your tooth.
Stage 4: Pulp Damage
The pulp is the innermost layer of your tooth containing nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth healthy. Once decay reaches the pulp of your tooth, it may become irritated and start to swell, causing pressure on the nerves in your tooth. This pressure can cause mild to severe pain, especially when exposed to temperature extremes.​ Root canal therapy is typically necessary to treat pulp damage.
Stage 5: Abscess
As decay progresses into the pulp of the tooth, bacteria can cause an infection. An infection increases the inflammation in the tooth and can cause an abscess, or pocket of pus, at the root. Tooth abscesses can cause severe pain that could move into your jaw, and can also cause a fever and swelling in your gums, face, jaw, or lymph nodes. A tooth abscess requires timely treatment to avoid the infection spreading into your bones and blood stream, which can cause overall health issues, especially dangerous for those who have underlying medical conditions . Treatment may involve a root canal and crown or removing the affected tooth.

Avoiding tooth decay treatment often results in more pain, more extensive treatment, and more expense. Call us to schedule an appointment today!

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5-STAR RATING - BASED ON OVER 2,230 PATIENT REVIEWS

"I went in for a root canal nervous about how it was going to hurt. It was not painful at all. Dr Nessif was excellent, very friendly and told me what he was going to do before he did it." - RYANN B.

"I had a root canal done today on an upper molar. I was really dreading the procedure...but there was absolutely no pain - didn't feel anything! Wonderful experience!" - DAN 
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NAPOLEON

​Ph. 877.216.9296
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smile@happy-dentistry.com
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DELTA

Ph. 855.222.3268
​care@happy-dentistry.com
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SYLVANIA

Ph.:877.216.8354 
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sylvaniasmiles@happy-dentistry.com
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service LISTING*

*Please contact office to verify services provided at that location.
  • Preventive Dentistry: Hygiene, Sealants, Gum Disease Screening, Oral Cancer Exams
  • Periodontal Care
  • Restorative Dentistry: Fillings, Crowns, Root Canals, Inlays and Onlays, Bonding
  • Solutions for Missing Teeth: Dentures, Bridges, Dental Implants
  • Cosmetic Dentistry: Veneers, Whitening, Deep Bleaching, Gum Contouring, Bonding
  • Orthodontics: INVISALIGN®
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Oral and IV Sedation
  • TMJ/Neuromuscular Dentistry
  • Snore Appliances​