Cavities in Purcellville, VA

Cavities, or dental caries, develop when plaque and bacteria produce acids that erode tooth enamel. If left untreated, they can progress deeper into the tooth, leading to sensitivity, pain, infection, or even tooth loss. At South Fork Dentistry in Purcellville, VA, Dr. Simren Singh provides gentle treatment using tooth-colored fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural smile. These restorations not only stop decay but also strengthen your teeth and restore proper function, allowing you to chew and smile with confidence.



Preventing cavities is just as important as treating them. That’s why our team emphasizes routine checkups, professional cleanings, and personalized at-home care tips to keep your teeth healthy. By detecting decay early, we can offer conservative solutions that save you time, money, and discomfort while preserving more of your natural tooth structure. With Dr. Singh’s patient-focused approach, you’ll receive both effective care and the education needed to maintain a strong, healthy smile for life.

FAQ CAVITIES

  • What are dental cavities?

    Dental cavities are essentially holes in your teeth caused by sugar-loving bacteria. If they are not treated over time, they will get deeper and can cause symptoms like sensitivity or, worse, quite a bit of pain.

  • What causes cavities?

    The cause of cavities is essentially bacteria. That sticky plaque around your teeth contains starches, sugars, and bacteria. The bacteria love to feast on these sugars, and, as a result, they produce acids that erode your tooth over time. If you want to avoid cavities, make sure you remove all of that plaque with daily brushing and flossing.

  • How does a dentist check for cavities?

    The main way we first detect cavities is by looking at dental x-rays. These x-rays give us all the information to see what's going on in areas that we can't see with the naked eye. After taking dental x-rays, it's also important to perform an exam in the mouth to see if we visually detect any obvious cavities.

  • What are the stages of a cavity?

    The first stage of a cavity is when you see a white spot, indicating that the enamel is starting to weaken. If not treated or reversed, it will start to go deeper, and that's when a hole begins to form in the tooth. As it gets deeper, it reaches the dentin, the second layer of the tooth, where you may start to feel some sensitivity. If it progresses further into the pulp or nerve of the tooth, that's when you start experiencing pain, which we want to avoid.

  • Can a cavity spread to other teeth?

    Not directly like the flu, but here's the deal: an untreated cavity harbors bacteria that can jump to other teeth and cause more cavities. While a cavity is not contagious from tooth to tooth, bad habits and bacteria definitely are.