Why you should never wait to treat a cavity?

Almost every one of us had at least one cavity in our lives. If we don't keep up on our oral hygiene by following proper brushing and flossing habits, there are chances that we will get a few more as time passes by.

While cavities can be uncomfortable, it's important that we must get them treated immediately when we notice one. Early detection and treatment of cavities prevent long-term damage to our teeth and help avoid advanced, costly treatments in the future.

Cavities Are A Sign Of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay begins even before we notice it. The decay starts with the development of plaque on the tooth. The harmful bacteria in the plaque produce acid that erodes the tooth. Therefore, if left untreated, the decay can lead to deep cavities and cause permanent damage to the tooth.

If we think cavities can be left untreated to save money or spare themselves a filling, they worsen with time, leading to more damage and infection that would need advanced treatments in the future. 

A tooth consists of three parts:

• Enamel, the hard and protective outer layer.
• Dentin, the middle layer of the tooth.
• Pulp, the inner layer, which contains the tooth's blood vessels and nerves.

Enamel, the tooth's hard and protective layer, is the tooth's first line of defense against cavity-causing bacteria. Many people have a fear of going to a dentist to have a cavity filled. If we postpone the treatment, the bacteria will eventually get deep through the enamel, enter into the tooth's middle layer dentin, and then the pulp. If cavity-causing bacteria reaches the dental pulp, it can lead to a condition known as pulpitis or the pulp's inflammation. Pulpitis can be treated with a simple filling if treated on time. If left untreated, it may require more complex treatments like a root canal or tooth extraction.

Therefore, understand that if you let your cavity stay, it can cause more damage that your tooth may need a dental crown for protection. Moreover, if the bacteria in the cavity enters deep enough to the roots of your tooth, you'll need a root canal to clean it away and protect the teeth. Further, if you postpone the cavity treatment for so long that a dental crown can't even help, tooth extraction might be the only option for the health of your other teeth.

Modern dental fillings are easy and take care of your cavity with ease. During your dental visit, the dentist will eliminate the bacterial buildup that has caused the cavity and fill in the hole with a tooth-colored resin. So, if you doubt that you have a cavity, please schedule an appointment and visit us to get it treated.