What are Interproximal Cavities?

Dental cavities can be sneaky and if you wait until your child feels the pain to visit the dentist, you risk turning a simple filling procedure into a root canal. Dental cavities that hide between the teeth are the sneakiest of all! These cavities are also called interproximal cavities.

What are Interproximal Cavities?

Interproximal cavities are diagnosed with a bite-wing X-ray. This is an important part of early detection of interproximal cavities and will allow Dr. Naomi Lane to see the severity of the dental cavity. Some dental cavities can be detected visually, but without an X-ray, we’re not able to detect the depth of the cavity.

If an interproximal dental cavity is found early enough, it can be recalcified with fluoride gel. However, if the cavity has penetrated more deeply into the tooth enamel, the cavity will need to be filled. Lastly, if a dental cavity has been left untreated for long enough, it will eventually reach the inside of the tooth, known as the pulp, requiring a root canal, dental crown, or even the loss of the tooth.

Preventing Interproximal Cavities

The best thing you can do to prevent your child from developing interproximal cavities is to teach him or her how to practice good dental hygiene. This means brushing at least twice a day, flossing every day, and visiting Piedmont Pediatric Dentistry every 6 months for a dental cleaning and a checkup.

If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist in Greensboro, North Carolina, please contact Piedmont Pediatric Dentistry today!