Symptoms & conditions
Cavity (tooth decay)
The short answer
A cavity is a hole in the tooth caused by bacteria. Caught early (visible on X-ray but no pain) it's a 20-minute filling costing OMR 30-55. Left alone it reaches the nerve and needs a root canal (OMR 170-220) plus crown (OMR 160-280). The difference between the two states is usually 6-12 months.
What's happening
The clinical picture
Bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and produce acid that dissolves the enamel. A tiny hole forms, bacteria get inside, and the decay spreads through the softer dentine underneath. You usually feel nothing until decay reaches the nerve — at which point pain starts and the cheap-fix window has closed. That's why 6-month check-ups matter: an X-ray catches decay two to three years before it hurts. Cold or sweet sensitivity, visible brown/black spots on tooth surfaces, or food repeatedly wedging in the same spot are early warnings you can act on.
Warning signs
Contact us the same day if:
- Visible hole or black spot you can see in the mirror
- Pain with cold, hot, or sweet that lingers more than 30 seconds
- Throbbing pain that wakes you at night
- Food consistently trapping in the same spot
- A filling that has fallen out
What we do
Our approach
Exam plus bitewing X-rays catch decay between teeth where it's invisible to the naked eye. Early lesions (enamel only) get fluoride varnish and a 3-month watch; moderate decay gets a composite filling same visit; deep decay that's reached the pulp needs root canal + crown staged over 2-3 visits. We show you the cavity on-screen before touching anything so you see what needs doing and what doesn't.
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