Effects Of Waiting To Fix A Cavity

There are chances that tooth decay and cavities can occur even if you follow a regular dental care technique, including proper brushing and flossing. During its initial stage, tooth decay doesn't cause any pain and can sometimes go unnoticed. And even if it gets noticed, many people either ignore them or put off the treatment if they do not feel any pain. But this will do more harm as tooth decay can't repair itself. Procrastinating the dental visit can make the condition much worse; what starts as a minor problem can become serious if not treated on time, leading to the need for more costly and advanced treatment options.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay usually starts with the formation of sticky bacterial material called plaque on your teeth. The plaque uses sugars in the foods you eat to produce acids that soften and dissolve the teeth' hard enamel causing deep cavities.

Signs and symptoms of Tooth Decay

One terrifying fact about tooth decay is that you won't usually feel pain and sensitivity till decay goes deep into the dentin layer. Decay develops rapidly in dentin as it is softer than enamel. Root decay also grows fast as the cementum coating on the root is not as hard as enamel. When the bacteria reach the tooth's pulp, a more serious condition of infection develops and can cause severe and persistent pain. If left untreated, the infection also spreads into your jawbone or throughout your body, causing more trouble. And, one bad cavity, if left untreated, could also lead to a second cavity.

Tooth Decay - Treatment

If the tooth decay is identified at an earlier stage, your dentist may suggest using toothpaste, mouth rinses, or filling materials that contain fluoride, calcium, and phosphates to repair the spot.

However, if the decay reaches the dentin, it needs more advanced treatment options to save the tooth. A small cavity can be repaired with a filling. However, a crown would be needed to strengthen and restore shape and function to your teeth if it has lost its structure. 

An abscessed tooth requires more advanced treatments, either a root canal or an extraction. 

Thus, it is a fact that letting cavity progress can make the treatment more involved and complicated. Treatment is easy when cavities begin. So, if you suspect that you have a cavity, seek treatment from your dentist immediately. Prevent the occurrence of decay by brushing and flossing daily and identify the cavities at the early stage by regularly visiting your dentist for a more thorough cleaning and checkup.