Found a cavity and wondering if you can just ignore it for a while?
We get it – nobody wants to deal with the dentist. But here’s the reality: that little hole isn’t going anywhere, and waiting could turn a simple filling into a much bigger (and more expensive) problem.
Below, we discuss how minor dental issues can evolve into serious oral health issues and emphasize the importance of timely dental care.
Ignoring small dental problems like cavities or chipped teeth can result in increased pain, infection, and the need for more complex and expensive procedures.
Reasons you shouldn’t leave dental cavities untreated
A dental cavity doesn’t develop overnight. Instead, it starts as a small hole and spreads deeper into a tooth, over months and years. While a small cavity might not cause immediate problems, left untreated, it will continue to expand and get worse.
That’s why early detection and intervention are key to preventing serious complications.
It takes as long as five years for a cavity to fully develop to the point of needing attention, but cavities should not be left untreated for more than a few months.
That’s because some people develop cavities in less than five years. In fact, some people will need treatment for the tooth in just a few months. In other words, cavity progression varies from person to person.
Remineralization, the natural process during which minerals (phosphate and calcium) are replenished in the dentin, makes the teeth stronger and more resistant to acids and, by extension, cavities. It helps delay cavity progression and, in some very early cases, may even heal the cavity.
After a year, an untreated cavity causes serious problems to the tooth structure, and after two-plus years, infection may spread to other teeth, and you may need a root canal.
Ignoring your cavities won’t make them go away. Cavities cannot heal or go away independently, unless in the very early stages.
If ignored, they can progress deeper and broader and further break down the enamel, spreading to the softer dentin layer underneath.
Cavities are Painful: Dental pulp, which contains roots and nerves, lies under the hard outer layers of a tooth(enamel and dentin). If a cavity spreads deep enough to reach the pulp, it exposes these nerves, resulting in severe pain.
Risking Infection & Tooth Loss: Tooth loss is another serious consequence of an untreated cavity. An untreated cavity that reaches the nerves and blood vessels eventually causes the pulp to die, requiring extraction.
The missing tooth/teeth would need to be replaced by a bridge, an implant, or a denture. This ensures that the remaining teeth do not shift away from their original position, as it impacts how you chew, bite, and speak.
Impact of Delaying Dental Care
Increased pain and infection: Untreated dental conditions result in toothaches, sensitivity, and gum inflammation that intensify over time, making it difficult to perform daily tasks such as eating, speaking, or even concentrating.
More complex and expensive procedures: Dental problems if ignored, often worsen with time and lead to significant damage and discomfort. Ignoring a minor issue can lead to more invasive and costly procedures like root canals or tooth extractions. Therefore, it’s crucial to address the dental problems right away.
Financial strain: Delaying dental treatment not only puts your oral health at risk but also strains your pocket. A small cavity that a filling could have treated with early detection may progress to a point where it requires a more extensive and expensive procedure, such as a root canal, dental crown, or dental implant.
Additionally, if the condition worsens, it could involve other teeth and surrounding tissues, leading to a more complex treatment and financial strain.
Signs and Symptoms of an Untreated Dental Cavity
The symptoms of cavities vary, depending on the location and how deep the cavity has spread. The most common symptoms include
- Persistent toothache and other pain
- Tooth Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Holes, pits, or staining in your teeth that you can see
Complications of an untreated cavity
The nerve is exposed when the cavity spreads deep enough to reach the pulp. This allows the bacteria to easily transport from the tooth to the surrounding gums and bone, resulting in swelling and inflammation associated with the cavity.
With the spread of bacterial infection, there is a risk of abscesses filled with pus, which could become infected without proper care.
Preventing and Treating Cavities
To prevent cavities, follow these oral hygiene tips:
- Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes.
- Floss daily to clean between teeth
- Be diligent with your routine teeth cleanings and oral exams. Ask your dentist if you have a high risk of caries and need preventive treatments like dental sealants and/or fluoride treatments.
- Avoid snacks and beverages that are highly acidic or contain excessive sugar.
Treatment Options for Cavities
Treatment options vary depending on the location and how wide the cavity has spread. These include
Fluoride treatment for early-stage cavity reversal.
Dental Fillings are another option for cavities in the enamel or dentin layers. (Various filling materials are available, and your dentist can suggest the best options based on your case.)
Dental crowns are used for severe decay or weakened teeth. Crowns are custom-fitted coverings for severe decay or weakened teeth. They cover the entire natural crown of a tooth and can be made of gold, metal, ceramic, or porcelain fused to metal.
Root canal treatment: When a cavity spreads to the inner layer of the pulp, root canal treatment is required. This procedure repairs and saves a badly damaged or infected tooth instead of removing it. The diseased tooth pulp is removed, and a filling is placed inside.
Tooth extractions are necessary for teeth that cannot be saved by dental restoration and must be removed. After extraction, an implant or a bridge can replace the missing tooth.
Conclusion
When dealing with a dental cavity, time is of the essence. Months can be OK, but years are not. By seeking care early, you can reduce the need for more extensive treatment.
Delaying treatment will worsen the problem, requiring more complex and expensive procedures later. Timely detection and treatment can mean the difference between a simple filling and a more complex and invasive root canal or crown.
In conclusion, be proactive with your oral health. Don’t let discomfort or fear keep you from seeking timely treatment. Address dental issues promptly to maintain a healthy and radiant smile.
