Dental Cavities
Detection, Prevention & Treatment in Ottawa
Expert Cavity Treatment in Ottawa
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems—but they're also one of the most preventable. At BluSky Dental Holland Cross, we help patients throughout Westboro, Hintonburg, and Downtown Ottawa prevent cavities and treat them quickly when they occur with same-day tooth-colored fillings.
Serving Westboro, Hintonburg, Wellington West, Little Italy, and Downtown Ottawa.
What Are Dental Cavities?
Dental cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. They're caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking on sugary drinks and foods, and inadequate oral hygiene.
Left untreated, cavities get larger and affect deeper layers of your tooth, leading to severe toothache, infection, and even tooth loss. The good news? Cavities are largely preventable through good oral hygiene and regular dental care.
Signs and Symptoms of Cavities
Early cavities may not cause symptoms, which is why regular dental exams are crucial. As decay progresses, you may experience:
- Toothache or spontaneous pain
- Tooth sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold
- Visible holes or pits in your teeth
- Brown, black, or white staining on tooth surface
- Pain when biting down
- Food getting stuck in certain areas
What Causes Cavities?
Cavities form through a process that occurs over time:
The Cavity Formation Process:
- Plaque Formation: Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches, creating a sticky film called plaque that constantly forms on teeth
- Acid Attack: Plaque bacteria produce acids that attack tooth enamel, causing mineral loss
- Enamel Erosion: Repeated acid attacks cause enamel to lose minerals and break down
- Cavity Formation: As enamel breaks down completely, a cavity (hole) forms
Risk Factors:
- Frequent snacking and sipping sugary drinks creates constant acid attacks
- Poor oral hygiene allows plaque to accumulate
- Dry mouth - saliva helps neutralize acids and wash away food; reduced saliva increases cavity risk
- Worn fillings or dental devices create areas for plaque to accumulate
- Deep tooth crevices trap food and bacteria
- Heartburn or acid reflux - stomach acid erodes enamel
- Eating disorders causing frequent vomiting
- Location in mouth - back teeth (molars) have more crevices and are harder to clean
How We Diagnose Cavities
At BluSky Dental Holland Cross, we use multiple methods to detect cavities:
Visual Examination
We inspect all tooth surfaces for visible signs of decay, discoloration, or damage.
Dental Probing
A small instrument helps us identify soft spots in enamel that indicate decay.
Digital X-Rays
X-rays reveal cavities between teeth and beneath existing fillings—areas not visible during examination.
Learn more about Digital X-Rays →
Learn more about Dental Exams →
Advanced Detection
For early cavities, we may use laser cavity detection that measures changes in tooth structure.
Treatment Options for Cavities
Treatment depends on cavity severity:
Fluoride Treatments
For very early cavities (just starting), professional fluoride treatments can help restore enamel and reverse early decay.
Learn more about Fluoride Treatments →
Dental Fillings
The most common treatment. We remove decayed material and fill the hole with tooth-colored composite resin that blends naturally with your teeth. Same-day treatment available.
Learn more about Dental Fillings →
Dental Crowns
For extensive decay that has weakened the tooth, a custom crown covers and protects the entire tooth. We offer same-day crowns using advanced CAD/CAM technology.
Learn more about Dental Crowns →
Learn more about Same-Day Crowns →
Root Canal Therapy
When decay reaches the tooth's pulp (nerve), root canal therapy removes infected tissue, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it. A crown typically follows to protect the treated tooth.
Learn more about Microscope Root Canal →
Tooth Extraction
Severely decayed teeth that can't be saved require extraction, followed by replacement options like dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
Learn more about Tooth Extractions →
Preventing Cavities
Prevention is easier and less expensive than treatment! Follow these tips:
Daily Care:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
- Use mouthwash to reduce bacteria
- Brush after snacks when possible
Learn more about Oral Hygiene →
Dietary Habits:
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks
- Avoid frequent sipping of sugary or acidic beverages
- Drink plenty of water, especially fluoridated water
- Eat tooth-friendly foods like cheese, vegetables, and nuts
- Chew sugar-free gum after meals to stimulate saliva
Professional Care:
- Get regular dental checkups every 9 months
- Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar
- Consider dental sealants for cavity-prone teeth
- Ask about fluoride treatments if you're high-risk
Cavities in Children
Children are especially prone to cavities due to:
- Developing teeth with thinner enamel
- Difficulty brushing effectively
- Higher sugar consumption
- Less awareness of oral health importance
Pediatric cavity prevention:
- Start brushing as soon as first tooth appears
- Supervise brushing until age 7-8
- Limit juice and sugary snacks
- Apply dental sealants to permanent molars
- Regular dental visits every 9 months
Learn more about Pediatric Dentistry →
Learn more about Kids & Teens Dentistry →
Why Choose BluSky Dental for Cavity Treatment?
Same-Day Treatment
We offer convenient same-day appointments for cavity treatment. Don't wait in pain—we'll get you scheduled quickly.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Our composite fillings match your natural tooth color. No obvious silver fillings—just beautiful, natural-looking results.
Gentle, Painless Care
We use local anesthesia and offer sedation options to ensure your complete comfort.
Learn more about Sedation Dentistry →
Advanced Technology
Digital X-rays detect cavities early. Same-day crown technology eliminates the need for temporary restorations.
Family-Friendly Care
We treat patients of all ages, from toddlers to seniors, in a welcoming, comfortable environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cavities form when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that attack tooth enamel. This occurs through a combination of factors: bacteria feeding on sugars and starches, frequent snacking, inadequate brushing and flossing, and dry mouth. Over time, repeated acid attacks break down enamel, creating holes.
Early cavities may have no symptoms. As decay progresses, you may experience toothache, sensitivity to sweet/hot/cold foods, visible holes or dark spots on teeth, or pain when biting. Regular dental exams detect cavities before symptoms appear.
Very early cavities (white spots) can sometimes remineralize with fluoride treatment and excellent oral hygiene. However, once a cavity has formed a hole in the enamel, it won't heal without professional treatment. Untreated cavities only get larger and more painful.
Costs vary based on treatment needed. Simple fillings are less expensive than crowns or root canals. Most dental insurance covers a portion of cavity treatment. We provide written estimates and help maximize your insurance benefits. Payment Options →
No. We numb the area with local anesthesia so you won't feel pain during the procedure. You may experience some sensitivity for a few days after, which is normal and resolves quickly.
Schedule Your Cavity Treatment Today
Don't let cavities compromise your smile. Contact BluSky Dental Holland Cross for prompt, comfortable cavity treatment.
Call: (613) 728-1511
Address: 20 – 1620 Scott Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4S7
Email: hollandcrossreception@blusky.dental
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
At BluSky we BEElieve in bringing life to your smile. 🐝