What is Tooth Decay at Gum Line?
Tooth decay refers to decay that happens to the teeth, which can lead to cavities, oral abscess formation, and eventually tooth loss. It is triggered by bacteria that make their home in dental plaque.
Plaque bacteria are capable of transforming the sugars that are present in the meal into acids. These acids can destroy teeth if plaque builds up. Good oral hygiene is therefore essential for preventing tooth decay. Tooth decay progresses in phases.
Root caries or root decay refers to tooth decay affecting the roots of teeth near or below the gum line. This most commonly occurs in the lower jaw’s back teeth. The gums naturally recede with aging, exposing the tooth root and leaving it more vulnerable to cavities. Tartar (calculus), which forms when plaque remains on the teeth and hardens above or below the gum line, gathers bacteria and irritates the gums. Professional dental cleaning is required to eradicate tartar. If the decay is little and located above the gum line, the dentist may be able to fill it in the same way as any other surface.
Tooth Decay at Gum Line Repair
Tooth decay near the gum line can be fixed by:
- Visiting the dentist.
- If the decay is little and located above the gum line, the dentist mostly repairs the cavity in the same manner as any other surface.
- In most cases, the decay must be removed by drilling through the tooth’s enamel. This is achieved by first filling the hole with composite resin or another substance, and then curing the resin so that it becomes hard.
- In the case of small cavities, the dentist removes plaque, fills it with composite, and crowns the tooth.
- It is often necessary to perform some little gum surgery to gain access to the decayed region if the decay extends below the gum line.
Tooth Decay at Gum Line Treatment
Damage that occurs to the teeth as a result of the activity of bacteria that are present in dental plaque is referred to as tooth decay. These bacteria transform dietary carbohydrates into acids that harm teeth.
Tooth decay happens in five stages, including:
- Demineralization: It is the process by which a tooth loses calcium and begins to accumulate plaque.
- Decay of the Enamel: If the demineralization process is not halted promptly, the bacteria that are present in the plaque are going to keep eating away at your enamel.
- Decay of the Dentin.
- Decay of the pulp.
- Abscess.
The earliest stage of tooth decay is frequently reversible, whereas later phases can cause irreversible damage to a tooth.
The stage of tooth decay determines the course of treatment. Potential treatments for tooth decay include root canals, fillings, and fluoride treatments.
Tooth decay is preventable with the right measures. These mostly include making sure to see the dentist regularly, avoiding sugary meals, and brushing the teeth twice a day.
Most of the time, gum tissue is cut and lengthened with a laser or surgical scalpel to treat tooth decay near the gum line. If the recession is not severe, root planing and scaling are two methods that can be used to keep the gum line clean. Depending on how far below the gums the cavity is, cleaning can be followed by drilling, debris removal, and filling.
Tooth Decay at Gum Line Cost
The price range for filling a cavity near the gum line is $200 to $600, contingent upon the chosen filling type and related expenses. The cost depends upon the following conditions:
- How bad the cavity is.
- Location of the dentist’s office.
An accurate estimate can only be provided after a consultation with a dentist.
The gum line decay can affect the health as well as the teeth. Oral bacteria possess the ability to infiltrate the bloodstream, which may lead to systemic health issues.
Detecting gum line decay early is critical for effective treatment. Getting regular dental exams can help detect problems before they get worse.