How do you tell if it's too late to fix a cavity?

If your cavity hurts, it's not too late to save your tooth. When cavities are small, they tend not to hurt too much, but they'll start to cause pain as they grow. That's usually when you notice them. With a visit to your dentist in Wilmington, we can often save your tooth!

When is it too late to fix a cavity?

Those that are too deep or too large may require a more intensive treatment. Once bacteria have entered your tooth, it may be too late for a filling because we will need to prevent or treat an existing infection. However, it's never too late for dental care!

How long can I let a cavity go?

If a cavity goes untreated for two years or longer, severe damage to the tooth is likely. You will notice discoloration around the tooth, swelling around the gums, and severe pain and sensitivity. The bacteria will probably have damaged the tooth root and pulp at this point. You may lose the tooth.

How do you know what stage your cavity is?

What happens if you leave a cavity for 3 years?

Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Untreated cavities can lead to abscess (a severe infection) under the gums which can spread to other parts of the body and have serious, and in rare cases fatal, results.

do you REALLY need to get a CAVITY filled?

Can I wait 1 months to fill a cavity?

So if you have a cavity that needs a filling, don't delay treatment. The decay can continue to develop and cause additional damage to a tooth. You can end up needing something much more extensive, not to mention expensive, such as a root canal if you wait too long to have the decay addressed.

How do you know if a cavity is getting worse?

What's a small cavity look like?

Often a cavity will look like a dark spot on the tooth, typically yellow, brown, or black in color. Early on, it may resemble tooth staining or a slight discoloration. As cavities progress, the holes get bigger and usually darker. A little dot can ultimately consume almost the entire tooth.

How long does it take for a cavity to reach nerve?

A person who can't brush or floss, who accumulates acid-producing bacteria around the teeth, who does not use fluoride or oral calcium products, and who has stomach acid in the mouth from GERD or bulimia can grow cavities that invade the dental nerve in as little as three or six months.

Can I wait 6 months to fill a cavity?

Every Cavity Is Different

Some people have softer tooth enamel than others, making it easier for bacteria or acid to penetrate the tooth. On average, as a broad timeline, it can take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity needs treatment.

How fast do cavities spread?

Every Cavity Is Different. The time it takes for a cavity to form varies. It can, on average, take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity requires treatment.

Does cavity removal hurt?

No. Your dentist will numb the area and use a numbing gel before injecting a local anesthetic known as Lidocaine. You may feel a bit of a sting, but that's a reaction from the local anesthetic when it starts to block the nerve signals to stop the pain.

Why does my dentist say I have cavities but no pain?

The reason patients typically don't experience pain with simple cavities is because there is no nerve supply in enamel or dentin. We always strive to stop cavities while they are still small and manageable!

What does cavity smell like?

To make sure there was no ambiguity, I asked again: Is there any specific smell a cavity emits? “No,” he said, laughing. “It's not one particular smell for a cavity, it could be food collecting. They might have gum disease.”

How do you know if a cavity is deep?

A person having a deep cavity may feel a toothache or pain while eating, drinking, or biting down, a strong sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet food/drinks, bad taste or bad breath in the mouth, or can even feel a hole or crack in the tooth with the help of tongue.

Can you brush away a cavity?

A common question we receive from children and parents is, “can you brush away a cavity?” Once a cavity is fully formed in the tooth, unfortunately, it's impossible to just improve your brushing and make it go away. However, the early stages of a cavity can be reversed with good brushing habits.

How do you know if a cavity is spreading?

8. Pulsating or throbbing mouth pain. As a tooth infection spreads, the swelling and bacteria put pressure on your jaw and gums, resulting in a throbbing sensation that is difficult to ignore.

What does a severe cavity look like?

What Does a Cavity Look Like? While it is usually difficult to see a cavity in its beginning stages, some cavities start with a whitish or chalky appearance on the enamel of your tooth. More serious cases can have a discolored brown or black color. However, most often there are no distinguishable red alerts.

Can I live with cavities?

Without treating a cavity, you risk serious illness and death. Fortunately, modern cavity treatment is common and very accessible. Reach out to your dentist to learn more about treating your cavity and taking the pain away.

What happens if a cavity is too deep?

Deep cavities will continue to increase in size when left untreated, and can eventually spread to nearby teeth and gums. Deep cavities can also grow large enough to break and damage teeth, and increase the risk of infection. Potential treatments for deep cavities include fillings, root canal, or tooth extraction.

Can I wait 1 months to fill a cavity?

So if you have a cavity that needs a filling, don't delay treatment. The decay can continue to develop and cause additional damage to a tooth. You can end up needing something much more extensive, not to mention expensive, such as a root canal if you wait too long to have the decay addressed.

What happens if you leave a cavity for a month?

Cavities tend to widen and deepen, making your teeth brittle and more prone to cracking or breaking. The further the decay progresses, the faster it reaches the tooth nerves, exposing them to the air. This causes a great deal of pain and tearing as the decay progresses and the nerve health is compromised.

What happens if you have a cavity for a long time?

If cavities aren't treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to a severe toothache, infection and tooth loss. Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are your best protection against cavities and tooth decay.

Can I wait 3 months to fill a cavity?

Every Cavity Is Different

Some people have softer tooth enamel than others, making it easier for bacteria or acid to penetrate the tooth. On average, as a broad timeline, it can take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity needs treatment.