Why It’s Bad to Wait to Fill Cavities
As with any dental issue, it’s wise to not play the waiting game. Sure, it’s easy to put off coming in to see our Washington, MI, dentists, but the more you drag your feet, the more at risk you are for further complications. Cavities are no different.
Here’s why cavities should be treated as soon as possible and not ignored.
Cavities Explained
A is a hole in the tooth that has been caused by tooth decay. Any individual, no matter their age, can develop cavities if proper oral hygiene habits are not practiced. For many patients, cavities occur due to a combination of foods consumed and inadequate teeth cleaning.
Despite cavities being a very common problem, they are preventable. At-home dental care paired with regular checkups every 6 months in our Washington dental office will help you to avoid the formation of a cavity. It can be hard at times to know if you have a cavity so it’s important to keep up with dental visits.
Symptoms of a cavity can include:
- Toothache or out-of-the-blue tooth pain
- Sensitive teeth that react to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages
- Pits or holes in your teeth that are clearly visible
- Pain when biting down
- Staining on any surface of tooth that is brown, black, or white
For existing cavities, dental fillings remain the best option to seal the hole and prevent further damage.
What Happens When You Wait
It can seem like a good idea at first to wait with an early cavity but the longer you do, the more the tooth decay will progress. Once a cavity has developed, there is no way to “cure” it with brushing or flossing. It must be filled.
When the cavity is left untreated, it can move down into an inner layer of your tooth known as dentin. Dentin is located just underneath a tooth’s white outer enamel and contains many nerve endings. If a cavity has reached this layer, you will start to feel sensitivity when eating or drinking.
Delayed treatment can also lead to the decay reaching the nerve of your tooth. At this point, our dentists may recommend root canal therapy and the placement of a dental crown to protect the vulnerable tooth. Tooth extraction could also happen if the decay is severe enough.
Cavity Filling Procedure: What to Expect
The is straightforward and relatively quick. Our dentists will start off by numbing the tooth and surrounding area with local anesthesia so you feel no discomfort. After the tooth has been numbed, the decay will be removed with the help of a dental drill.
The hole is then filled with tooth-colored composite resin that closely matches the shade of your natural enamel. The entire process, depending on how many cavities you have, will only take a few minutes. The treated area will remain numb for a few hours after the procedure but will subside. You can easily return to work or school following the appointment.
Ways to Avoid Cavities Altogether
Good oral hygiene is key to preventing the formation of cavities. Our dentists encourage you to diligently brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. The use of mouthwash on top of those two actions also helps cut down on plaque.
Scheduling professional dental cleanings with our dentists is necessary as well. During these appointments, your teeth and gums can be checked for issues, like developing cavities. Keeping tabs on your oral health in and out of our office is important not just for your mouth, but the entire body.
Treat Cavities ASAP
Think you might have a cavity? Our dentists in Washington, MI, urge you to visit our dental office as soon as possible to have it filled. Call Romeo Family Dentistry today at (586) 752-3589 to request an appointment.