What Types of Cavities Are There?

November 17, 2020 8:16 pm Published by
young boy with his mouth open getting a dental exam

Cavities are one of the most common dental issues. Generally speaking, a cavity is when decay causes a little hole in the surface of your teeth. But did you know there are different types of cavities out there? These are the three main categories of cavities and how they differ:

Surface Decay Cavity

Surface decay cavities are also sometimes called coronal cavities. As the name suggests, these are found on the smooth sides of the teeth. They typically develop slowly, and they’re not as common of an occurrence as the other types of cavities.

Pit & Fissure Cavity

Pit and fissure cavities are found on the chewing surfaces of teeth, often the molars. These get their name because they occur in those little pits and grooves on top of teeth where it’s easy for food and bacteria to get stuck.

It’s common for children to get dental sealants in these pits and fissures to prevent cavities from developing in those areas that might be hard-to-reach or hard-to-clean.

Root Cavity

Root cavities appear directly on a tooth’s roots. Because of this location, they often come along with receding gums since that leaves the area more exposed. This area of the tooth doesn’t have as much enamel protection, which means root cavities can spread quickly.

Treat Cavities Promptly at Dental Solutions of Avon/Indy

If you’re concerned that you or your child might have a cavity, contact Dental Solutions of Avon today. We provide dental care for adults as well as kids’ dentistry, and we’re able to handle cavities of all categories. Depending on the severity of the cavity, treatment could involve a filling, a dental crown, or root canal therapy. Remember: It’s always better to treat a cavity as early as possible to save you both time, stress, and money down the line!

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