What Happens if You Wait to Fill a Cavity?

Cavity Filling

So, you have a cavity. Does it need immediate attention? Is it okay to wait a while to get treatment for the affected tooth? Portage Northern Dental has all the answers for you about cavities, when to have them filled, and why routine checkups are key to dental health.

What is a Cavity?

A cavity is a hole or crevice that forms in the hard surface (enamel) of the tooth. A cavity could cause pain in the tooth, or it could feel like nothing. The best way to identify a cavity is through a routine checkup with your dentist. Other cavities may be more apparent and may cause some pain in the area. If you suspect you may have a cavity, it’s probably time to see a dental professional.

What Causes a Cavity?

Cavities are caused by a build-up of bacteria and/or poor dental hygiene. Starchy foods and sugary snacks and drinks can cause bacteria to form. As bacteria forms on the teeth, it turns into a substance called plaque. As the bacteria in plaque feeds on sugars that are consumed, it produces acid. The acid eats away at the enamel of the tooth, and over time, the tooth begins to decay. Cavities, also known as dental caries or tooth decay, can become more developed over time.

Cavity Filling Procedure

When cavities are formed, they will need to be diagnosed and treated by a dental professional. A dentist will numb the area around the tooth so that there will be no pain. The dentist will then gently drill a hole in the tooth around where the cavity has formed. This way, the dentist will be removing all decay. After the decaying debris Is removed, the tooth will be filled with a tooth-colored resin. For front tooth cavity filling, dentists ensure that the filling material matches the natural tooth color for a seamless appearance. In some cases, a silver cavity dental filling may be used, especially for molars where durability is a priority.

If the cavity is more advanced, a crown, root canal, or tooth extraction may be necessary.

How Waiting to Treat Can Cause More Damage

It may be tempting to wait to have a cavity filled, but the longer you wait, the more the tooth will decay. Once there is a breach in the enamel, the tooth must be repaired. At this point, brushing and flossing will no longer make a difference.

Leaving a cavity untreated can allow the decay to spread into the second layer of the tooth, called the dentin. If decay has begun to encroach upon this layer, you may start to feel pain or sensitivity in the tooth. At this point, a dentist may need to perform a procedure beyond a filling, such as a root canal, crown, or dental extraction. So, don’t delay. If you have a cavity, see your dentist as soon as you can.

Tips for Preventing Cavities

As much trouble as cavities are, they are also preventable. Some tips for preventing cavities include:

• Brush twice a day.
• Use toothpaste that contains fluoride.
• Floss once a day.
• Avoid acidic or sugary foods or drinks.
• Use fluoride rinse.
• Make sure to keep up with regular trips to your dentist.

Conclusion

It’s a real bummer to get a cavity, but if caught early and treated by a dentist, it doesn’t have to be devastating. Leaving a cavity untreated can mean further tooth decay, a root canal, a dental crown, or possibly an extraction. The best way to handle a cavity is to get treatment right away. If you don’t have any cavities, make sure to keep brushing and flossing regularly, avoid cavity-inducing foods and beverages, and keep up with regular dentist visits. By practicing good dental hygiene, you may be able to avoid ever having cavities. By regularly seeing your dentist, you will be able to receive treatment for any teeth that develop cavities. Don’t wait. Cavities that develop into something worse are much more troublesome and can even lead to the loss of the affected tooth.

Call Portage Northern Dental Today

If you suspect that you have a cavity and want to meet with a dentist, it’s time to contact Portage Northern Dental. At Portage Northern Dental, we take a whole-mouth approach to dentistry so that we can meet all your dental needs. We will check your teeth for cavities and treat any existing cavities you have while advising you on how to prevent any further damage to your teeth. You can be confident knowing that when you choose Portage Northern Dental, you are making the best decision for your family. From cleanings and x-rays to cosmetic dental procedures and routine exams, we offer all our treatments in a single office so that you can be on your way. For more information, visit our website or contact us.