A cavity is a hole caused by damage to the structure of the tooth.  A cavity is caused by decay (or dental caries).  Decay is an IRREVERSIBLE bacterial infection, meaning the decay will get bigger until it is removed.  The decay will keep going and eventually destroy the tooth.  Decay does not hurt in the early stages, which is good.  As the decay progresses and the cavity gets bigger the symptoms of a tooth ache appear.  If the decay reaches the nerve then severe symptoms or swelling can occur. 

We can treat the decay and fix the cavity by doing a filling, crown or onlay. Fillings are done when the damage is smaller, crowns and onlays are done when the damage is greater.   With the decay removed, the remaining healthy tooth can be saved and the missing areas replaced.  We use complete exams and the latest technology to look for cavities caused by decay BEFORE they cause a tooth ache or before you can notice them.  When they are detected early they can be treated quickly and easily, sometimes without numbing.