Beyond the Surface: Understanding Dental Caries and Clinical Longevity
Cavities, which dentists sometimes call dental caries, are spots of tooth decay. They can range in size from tiny to large enough to break teeth.
Dental cavity showing tooth decay in enamel and dentin
Dental caries (cavities) are not merely a result of poor hygiene; they are the byproduct of a complex, dynamic shift in your oral microbiome. While common, they represent an active disease process that can compromise both your oral and systemic health if not treated with a focus on long-term stability.
At CJ Henley, DMD, we don't just "fill holes." We practice medically-informed restorative dentistry, diagnosing the root cause of decay to ensure your treatment holds up for years, not months.
The Physiology of Decay: Why Teeth Fail
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, yet it is vulnerable to sustained acidic environments. Decay typically progresses through three distinct layers:
The Enamel Barrier: In the early stages, decay is often painless because enamel lacks nerves. However, this is the most critical time for conservative intervention.
Dentin Infiltration: Once decay breaches the enamel and enters the dentin, sensitivity to temperature and sweets begins. Dentin is porous, allowing bacteria to migrate more quickly toward the center of the tooth.
Pulpal Involvement: When bacteria reach the pulp (the nerve and blood supply), pain becomes throbbing and persistent. At this stage, coordination with specialists may be required to save the natural tooth structure.
High-Authority Risk Factors: The Systemic Link
Not all "sugar bugs" are created equal. Your susceptibility to cavities is heavily influenced by factors that many high-volume practices overlook:
The Saliva Factor: Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense, neutralizing acid and remineralizing enamel. For patients taking medications for blood pressure or anxiety, medication-induced dry mouth (Xerostomia) can cause rapid, "rampant" decay regardless of hygiene habits.
The Microbial Balance: Your oral microbiome is unique. Research indicates that certain bacterial strains can be more aggressive, making some individuals naturally more prone to decay.
Restorative Longevity: A restoration is only as good as the diagnosis behind it. We focus on longevity and function, choosing biocompatible materials and precise techniques that respect the integrity of your natural tooth.
When Treatment Becomes Urgent
If decay is left unmanaged, it can lead to dental abscesses—serious infections that can spread to the surrounding bone or even enter the bloodstream. Signs of advanced infection include:
Severe, unrelenting throbbing pain
Swelling of the gums or face
Fever or a general feeling of systemic illness
A Higher Standard of Care
We believe that patients deserve more than a rushed 15-minute filling. We prioritize an unhurried, two-hour new patient evaluation to identify your unique risk factors and design a care plan focused on clinical longevity.
Reviewed and Updated February 2026