Dental Cavities
What are they? What causes them? And how can your dentist help?
A cavity is when bacteria gets inside your tooth and begins to cause tooth decay.
What is a Cavity?
A cavity is when bacteria gets inside your tooth and starts rotting and eating it away. It is actually an infection in your tooth, and we know this infection can spread toxins into your body. Cavities can cause systemic issues if that decay & infection is getting into your body. Your complete health is important to us, which is why we’re not all about “drilling and filling” and just managing your cavities.
We look at all of your risks and work to get you fully healthy. Some questions we’ll ask are: Why do you get cavities? What is your genetic background? What does your nutrition and dietary intake look like? Therefore, knowing the answers to these questions will help us address the underlying causes of cavities so you can get back to complete health.
Visit Mid-Columbia Dental regularly for cleanings and dental exams to ensure you stay cavity-free!
Are Silver Fillings Unhealthy?
Did You Know: The #1 Chronic Childhood Illness Today is Tooth Decay?
What is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay usually occurs in children and young adults, but can affect anyone. It is a common cause of tooth loss in younger people. Bacteria is normally present in the mouth and changes food into acids. The combination of bacteria, acids, food debris, and saliva form plaque. If plaque is not removed by proper flossing and brushing, the decay process begins. As the acids in the plaque begin to weaken and dissolve the enamel, holes in the teeth are created. This is what we call cavities.
Cavities are usually painless until they grow closer to the nerve or center of the tooth. If left untreated, that decay will destroy your tooth’s enamel, then the internal structure of the tooth. This can result in a lot of pain and require a root canal or extraction to treat.
Services We Offer
Meet Our Dentists
Dr. Spencer Greer
General Dentist and Owner of Mid-Columbia Dental
Dr. Greer is from Mesa, Arizona and attended Brigham Young University and Creighton University School of Dentistry.
“Initially, I was on a different career path when I felt a strong calling to do something with my hands in the sciences. Shortly thereafter, I had my yearly dental exam; that’s when I knew that being a dentist was what I was called to do. It’s been beyond rewarding to feel needed, challenged and successful. I couldn’t do what I do without my amazing team.”
When Dr. Greer isn’t being a Rockstar dentist or serenading his patients with song, he can be found alongside his wife and five kiddos. He enjoys mountain biking, surfing, playing pickleball with his wife and sons, and enjoying family performances where everyone takes a turn in the spotlight.
Dr. Nick Howard
General Dentist
Nick is from Bellevue, Washington and studied dentistry at Roseman University of Health Sciences. His natural curiosity for science and being drawn to people made it easy for his wife to see that he would make a great dentist.
“I’m so grateful to her for opening this door because I love dentistry, every facet of it intrigues me.”
When Nick isn’t providing stellar care to his patients, he likes to spend his spare time with his beautiful wife and three kiddos.
“Family is most important to me, and I would be honored to help you and your family with all your dentistry needs!”
Dr. Garrett Stoker
General Dentist
Dr. Stoker is from West Richland, Washington and graduated from the University of Washington. He began his journey into dentistry as a Dental Assistant, where he discovered the joy and satisfaction of being part of a patient’s oral health transformation. Having a big heart for serving others and helping with community outreach programs also made becoming a Dentist an easy choice.
“Dentistry allows me to balance family life while still helping the community, which lines up with my core values.”
In his free time, Dr. Stoker enjoys competitively playing board games with his wife, performing hip-hop dance parties with his kiddos, and enjoying the outdoors with his family.
Hear from Our Patients!
5-Star rated dentist with over 2,400 reviews on Google!
Schedule Your Next Dentist Visit!
Convenient Locations in Pasco and Kennewick
Kennewick Location
Mon: 8am – 5pm
Tues: 8am – 5pm
Wed: 8am – 5pm
Thurs: 7am – 3pm
Fri: Closed
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
Pasco Location
Mon: 8am – 5pm
Tues: 8am – 5pm
Wed: 8am – 5pm
Thurs: 8am – 5pm
Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
