Cavities (Tooth Decay)

Understanding tooth decay

A tooth has 3 parts (layers): enamel, dentin and pulp (nerve).

When decay reaches only the enamel, the patient feels generally no pain and the dentist may repair the tooth without anesthesia.

When the decay reaches the deeper layer of dentin, it is usually at this point that the patient has a sensitivity to cold, warm and sweet drinks or food. When decay reaches this region, we have to act quickly because dentin is much softer than the enamel layer, which makes cavities progress much faster.

When the dentist repairs this type of decay, he or she must numb the tooth in order to reduce the discomfort caused by cold water and air.

When decay reaches the nerve, it is usually at this point that the patient is starting to feel a pulse inside the tooth. This is the sign that the nerve is infected and a root canal treatment has to be performed.

Definition of tooth decay

Tooth decay (cavities) is caused by the acids of the mouth that are attacking the tooth which leads to decalcification and breakdown of the different structures of the tooth, starting with the enamel. Right from the outset, the dentist will detect this decalcification with the help of a dental explorer (also called a sickle probe) and by observing discoloration and brittleness of the tooth. This diagnosis is possible if the tooth decay is located on a visible part of the crown area of the tooth.