If you notice changes to your teeth, schedule a checkup with your family dentist right away. When left untreated, tooth decay can cause pain, swelling, and in extreme cases, even death. To prevent harm to your teeth, jaw, and overall health, the dental care specialists at PdC Dentistry, S.C.  in Prairie Du Chien, WI, recommend familiarizing yourself with the different signs of tooth decay to better recognize it. 

Family Dentist’s Guide to Tooth Decay

Stage 1: Demineralization 

During the demineralization stage, your tooth will begin to show white spots just below the enamel surface. If found at this stage, a cavity can be treated with minimal discomfort. Since demineralization can be hard to see on the teeth, especially your molars, it is important to get checkups regularly so your dentist can spot them early on. 

Stage 2: Decay of Enamel 

Here, the tooth will start to erode breaking through the surface and requiring a filling. It is important to visit your dentist at the first sign of decay to prevent damage to your dentin, the area below your enamel. 

Stage 3: Decay of Dentin 

If you experience pain from a cavity, you are likely in stage three, which marks the decay of the dentin under the enamel. At this critical stage, a filling is necessary to prevent further damage to the tooth’s pulp. 

Stage 4: Decay of Pulp

A cavity that has reached the tooth’s pulp is extremely painful. At this point, a root canal or complete extraction are the only options for treatment. While most patients visit a dentist at this stage because of the discomfort, it is necessary to take stage four seriously to prevent a total abscess. 

Stage 5: Abscess 

An abscess of the tooth is extremely painful and can even be life threatening. Here the decay is affecting the surrounding tissues and jawbone. Swelling is common during this stage. A dental emergency, a root canal or extraction should be performed immediately to prevent further damage to a patient’s mouth and overall health. 

Keep yourself and your family healthy with preventative dental care. The team at PdC Dentistry, S.C. will provide a lifetime of oral health care, from routine checkups to treatments and surgery. The clinic uses state-of-the-art technology to give their patients quick and efficient service. To schedule an appointment, call (608) 326-8458. For more information about their services and compassionate staff, visit their website.