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How Do Cavities Form?

Dentist

When visiting the dentist, we all wait for stamp of approval at the end of the appointment – cavities or no cavities? While there are certainly more severe dental problems that can occur, a cavity does need attention. Restorative dentistry offers a menu of services that can repair the health and strength of a decayed tooth. In fact, most cavities can be fixed with a simple tooth-colored filling.

It is the pursuit of many patients (young and old) to avoid cavities. You probably already know that maintaining diligent oral hygiene and avoiding high-sugared foods and drinks are your best weapon against tooth decay. This is certainly true. However, here is a closer look at what really goes on inside your mouth as a cavity is forming.

Cavities don’t form overnight, and they usually don’t produce any symptoms right away. A cavity is essentially a tiny hole in the enamel (outer layer) of your tooth. The following stages occur over a period of time:

Bacteria
Decay begins with the presence of bacteria, which can be eliminated each day with proper brushing and flossing habits. If bacteria is not washed away, it will continue to multiply and compromise your oral health.
Plaque and Tartar Accumulation
Decay also requires the presence of plaque and tartar build up on the surface of your teeth. Plaque begins to accumulate just minutes after you eat or drink, but this sticky substance is easily removed with your toothbrush. Tartar is hardened plaque, which is effectively removed with a professional dental cleaning.
Decay
If not treated, the bacteria that feed on plaque and tartar will gradually eat away at the enamel of the tooth. As the bacteria sits on the tooth surface, it emits acids that create a small hole on the tooth called a cavity. The longer a cavity goes undiagnosed, the more extensive the damage can be. If the decay penetrates the tooth center, patients generally feel significant discomfort and a root canal may be needed to restore the tooth.

To ensure that a cavity doesn’t ruin your smile, attend your regular dental checkups & cleanings. At Mitzi Morris, DMD, we are dedicated to helping patients maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime. While the presence of cavities is thought of as detrimental news from your dentist, it is very treatable if caught early. At our Roswell practice, we use top quality filling material that blends naturally with your smile.

Posted on behalf of Mitzi D. Morris

1295 Hembree Rd, Suite B202
Roswell, GA 30076

Phone: 678-459-2990

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Our Patient Reviews

Mitzi D. Morris, DMD, PC

4.8/ 5.0

Based on 44 reviews

  • Dr. Morris is an excellent dentist. Her ability to relate to her patients makes her a stand-out amongst those in her profession. She practices dentistry with superior technique and care. Her staff is friendly, helpful, and accommodating. I feel she hires only the best! One special mention: I suffer from panic attacks at times- along with claustrophobia. Dr. Morris is the first dentist I have ever had who helped calm my fears. Thus, my experience exceeded expectations! Great service!

    Cathy Q
  • Definitely would recommend Dr. Morris to anyone. She has been my dentist for over 8 years! Dr. Morris is extremely personable and is serious about the completing the best care possible. Great established dental team! Very accommodating to your schedule.

    Kelly T
  • Great and very educational experience. Compared to my last two dentists this experience blows them both out of the water. The staff is very friendly, and very helpful. I had to go in for a total of four visits a few weeks apart from each other. They made me feel very comfortable the entire time and kept making sure I was pleased. Getting a deep cleaning went very smoothly. It was also brought to my attention that the way I was flossing was incorrect. And have since changed methods. I worked specifically with Dr. Morris. She was very nice, and took the time to explain things. Which is a huge plus for me. Dr. Morris and the staff members worked effortlessly together. I was comfortable enough to sit back and relax, strangely enough, while having cavities drilled and fillings put in. Billing and scheduling appointments, as well as follow up for confirmation of upcoming appointments was very easy. I will say my favorite part of the experience was how friendly of an environment the staff has created. That alone is deserving of a 5 star review, and the rest is honestly icing on the cake. I highly recommend this practice on all fronts and will continue using them!

    Eric F
  • I transferred from a long-term and very good relationship with my former dentist because of a move, and I was a little apprehensive about a new dentist. Dr. Morris has been great. She is friendly, patient-concerned and the office is new, comfortable and clean. Everyone seems to enjoy working there. I feel like I'm in good hands!

    Christopher P
  • Dr. Morris and her staff are very professional. Additionally, she as well as her staff have an excellent "bedside manner." The office is new and well equipped. If one has an appointment and an earlier one opens up, Dr. Morris offers it to her patients as she did with my last appointment.

    David G
  • I have never met a staff so nice and charming. This staff will make you feel comfortable and relaxed in Dr. Morris's Spa like office and everyone is professional and approachable too. Andrea R. explained the process of my appointment and procedures and is definitely a highly-educated and thorough dental hygenist -- SHE IS A ROCKSTAR. I'm so glad that Dr. Morris and her dental team have been my "go-to" for the last 5 years, and I wont be going anywhere else! Overall - A++ Dr. Morris...highly recommended to my family and friends!!!

    Adam O
  • I've been a patient of Dr. Mitzi Morris for many years, and recommend her without reservation. The office is modern. clean and spacious. The staff has always been welcoming and very helpful. And the women who work for her as dental technicians are fantastic; they do a professional and effective deep cleaning, but with a careful, gentle touch. It is clear to me that Dr. Morris reads her professional journals and upgrades her practice to stay very current with the latest best practices in dentistry. (I have had some dentists who stopped updating their practices after leaving dental school!) With Dr. Morris you can count on receiving the very latest dental technology. Her prices are very fair, and I have never been surprised by an unexpected cost or had problems with insurance not covering services rendered.

    Bruce C
  • I have never experienced an office so down to earth, so outgoing and so willing to satisfy. If you've grown to dread the dentist then lay down your sword and give this office a shot.

    Marc Mamane

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Contact Us

Phone

678-459-2990

Office Hours

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Address

1295 Hembree Rd, Suite B202
Roswell, GA 30076

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