Mobile-alt Icon-facebook Instagram

What You Need to Know About Cavities — And How We Fix Them

Introduction

You brush, you floss (most days 😅), and you visit your dentist twice a year — but somehow, you still hear those dreaded words:

“You have a cavity.”

Don’t panic. Cavities are one of the most common dental issues — and also one of the easiest to treat when caught early.

At Green Line Dental Care in Brookline and Boston, patients benefit from modern, pain-free techniques that make fixing cavities fast, comfortable, and long-lasting.

Let’s look at what cavities really are, how they form, how to spot them, and — most importantly — how we can fix and prevent them.

What Is a Cavity?

A cavity, also called tooth decay or dental caries, is a permanently damaged area in your tooth’s hard surface (enamel). It starts small — like a soft or chalky white spot — but can gradually form a hole if untreated.

It happens when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches from food. These bacteria produce acid, which erodes your enamel. Over time, that acid eats deeper into the tooth, reaching the dentin or even the pulp (the nerve).

If not treated, a small cavity can turn into:

  • Severe tooth pain or sensitivity
  • Infection or abscess
  • Tooth fracture
  • Tooth loss

What Causes Cavities?

  1. Poor oral hygiene — Irregular brushing and flossing allow plaque to build up.
  2. Sugary or acidic diet — Soda, candy, fruit juices, and sticky snacks feed bacteria.
  3. Dry mouth — Less saliva = less natural protection against acid.
  4. Deep grooves in teeth — Hard-to-clean molars collect food particles.
  5. Worn fillings or aging dental work — Old fillings can leak or trap bacteria.
  6. Genetics and enamel strength — Some people have naturally thinner enamel.

Early Signs of a Cavity

Spotting a cavity early can save your tooth. Watch for:

  • Sensitivity to cold, heat, or sweet foods
  • Visible brown, black, or white spots on teeth
  • Pain when biting or chewing
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Rough or sticky feeling on the tooth surface

Sometimes, there are no symptoms until decay becomes advanced — that’s why regular dental checkups at Green Line Dental Care are so important.

How We Diagnose Cavities

At Green Line Dental Care, detecting cavities is fast, precise, and comfortable:

  • Digital X-rays — reveal decay between teeth or beneath fillings.
  • Visual examination — dentist checks for discoloration, pits, or surface softness.

Early detection = smaller fillings, faster treatment, lower cost.

Stages of Tooth Decay

Understanding the stages helps explain why early care matters:

  1. Enamel Decay (Initial Lesion)
    • Early white spot, mild demineralization.
    • Reversible with fluoride and good oral hygiene.
  2. Dentin Decay
    • The cavity reaches softer dentin under enamel.
    • Sensitivity may begin.
    • Needs a filling.
  3. Pulp Involvement
    • Bacteria reach the tooth nerve.
    • Pain, infection, or abscess possible.
    • May require root canal therapy.
  4. Tooth Destruction / Infection
    • Large portion of the tooth breaks or decays.
    • Extraction or crown may be necessary.

How We Fix Cavities

At Green Line Dental Care, the treatment depends on how advanced the decay is.
Here’s what we do at each stage:

🦷 1. Small Cavities — Fillings

For early decay, a composite filling (tooth-colored resin) is the go-to solution.

Process:

  1. The dentist numbs the area (quick and painless).
  2. Removes decayed material.
  3. Cleans and shapes the cavity.
  4. Applies tooth-colored composite resin in layers.
  5. Cures it with a special light.
  6. Polishes for a natural look.

Benefits of modern composite fillings:

  • Match your natural tooth color
  • No metal
  • Strong and durable
  • Preserve more healthy enamel

👉 Learn more: greenlinedentalcare.com/restorative-dentistry

💎 2. Large Cavities — Inlays, Onlays, or Crowns

If the decay is too large for a filling but not enough to need a full root canal, we use:

  • Inlays / Onlays — custom ceramic pieces made with CEREC technology, bonded in one visit.
  • Crowns — full coverage caps that restore the entire tooth structure.

CEREC Same-Day Technology at Green Line Dental Care lets you skip temporary crowns. Your restoration is milled right in the office and placed immediately. (greenlinedentalcare.com/cerec-dentistry)

❤️ 3. Deep Cavities — Root Canal Therapy

If decay reaches the pulp (nerve), a root canal may be necessary to remove infection and save the tooth.

Steps:

  1. Remove infected pulp
  2. Clean and disinfect root canals
  3. Fill with sealing material
  4. Place a crown to strengthen and protect the tooth

Root canal therapy has a bad reputation, but modern techniques make it comfortable and pain-free.

💔 4. Severe Damage — Extraction & Replacement

If a tooth is too damaged to restore, we safely remove it and replace it with:

  • Dental implant
  • Bridge
  • Partial denture

Our goal is always to save your natural tooth first, but when that’s not possible, we offer advanced restorative options that look and function naturally.

How to Prevent Cavities

Green Line Dental Care emphasizes prevention first.
Here’s how you can protect your teeth every day:

  1. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  2. Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth.
  3. Limit sugar — sodas, candy, and sticky snacks.
  4. Rinse after meals or chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva.
  5. Drink plenty of water.
  6. Schedule cleanings every six months.
  7. Ask about fluoride and sealants — especially for kids.

Sealants are protective coatings applied to molars to prevent food and bacteria from settling into grooves — a quick, painless, and effective cavity shield.

Why Choose Green Line Dental Care in Boston & Brookline

Choosing the right dentist makes all the difference.
Here’s why Green Line stands out for cavity prevention and treatment:

  • Modern CEREC technology — same-day restorations, no waiting
  • Gentle, pain-free techniques — advanced anesthesia and tools
  • Comprehensive care — from small fillings to full crowns and implants
  • Personalized approach — tailored treatment and prevention plans
  • Convenient locations in Brookline and Boston

They don’t just fix cavities — they help prevent them from coming back.

👉 Book your next exam: greenlinedentalcare.com

FAQs About Cavities

1. Can cavities heal on their own?
Early enamel lesions can sometimes be reversed with fluoride, but once a hole forms, professional treatment is necessary.

2. Does it hurt to get a filling?
Not at all — local anesthesia ensures a pain-free experience.

3. Are white fillings as durable as metal ones?
Yes! Modern composite and ceramic fillings are both strong and aesthetic.

4. How long do fillings last?
On average, 8–12 years — sometimes much longer with proper care.

5. How do I know if I have a cavity?
You might feel sensitivity, notice discoloration, or nothing at all. Regular exams are the best way to catch them early.

Conclusion

Cavities are common, but they’re completely manageable with the right care.
Modern dentistry makes treatment fast, safe, and virtually painless.

At Green Line Dental Care, we focus on:
✅ Early detection
✅ Gentle, precise restorations
✅ Long-term prevention

If you’ve been feeling tooth sensitivity, spotting dark areas, or just want a check-up — this is the perfect time to act.

📍 Visit Green Line Dental Care in Brookline or Boston
🌐 greenlinedentalcare.com
📞 Call today to schedule your cavity check or same-day filling!

Scroll to Top