No matter how well you clean your teeth with a toothbrush, if you aren't in the habit of flossing, you may experience a build up of plaque between two of your teeth. When this happens, the bacteria that thrive within the plaque erode the enamel of your teeth by producing acid after metabolising the sugars and carbohydrates that you consume.

Eventually, a cavity will form between the teeth; that is to say, both teeth will begin to decay at the same time due to the proximity of the plaque. This kind of cavity is known as an interproximal cavity.

If you think you may have an interproximal cavity, you should see a dentist immediately. Although the damage may look extensive, a dentist can remove the decayed portion of the teeth and repair them using a simple procedure.

Your Dentist Will Start by Removing the Decay

To begin with, your dentist will need to remove the decayed portions of the tooth to ensure that there is no bacteria present when repair begins. To do this, the dentist will use a small drill to drill away the portions of infected tooth.

Composite Bonding Can Save Both Teeth

Once the decay has been removed, your dentist can then fill in the damaged area, using composite bonding otherwise known as a white filling. If the cavity is between two posterior (rear) teeth, for example, two molars, then the dentist will simply seal the damaged teeth providing the cavity in each tooth does not extend too deeply.

A cavity is considered too deep when the nerve of the tooth is threatened. In this case, the dentist must perform a root canal before adding a crown.

Interproximal cavities between the two central incisors require a slightly different method of restoration due to their position in the smile zone. In this case, your dentist will reshape the teeth, restoring them to their natural shape.

If the Damage is Extensive You May Need a Root Canal and Crown

You may need a root canal and crown to be placed on both teeth if the cavity extends into the dentin because the nerve may already be infected. Once your dentist has removed the nerve and filled in the root with resin, they will then perform a little cosmetic dentistry and seal the tooth with a crown.

Even if you have a cavity between your teeth that looks serious, don't lose hope. Book a dental appointment as soon as possible so that your dentist can evaluate the damage properly.

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