Cavities how long

The longer a cavity is allowed to progress, the more extensive the damage is likely to be. If tooth decay continues without professional treatment, it can cause an abscess and even lead to tooth loss. Fortunately, your dentist can easily treat tooth decay if it is in its early stages.

Adam Dalesandro and Dr. Jeffrey Derickson. We are committed to providing our patients with the finest dental care possible so they can always enjoy happy, healthy smiles. From porcelain veneers to tooth whitening to dental implants, our office offers a wide array of treatments to help you protect your oral health.

If you have any questions, call When to get a cavity filled? How often should I brush my teeth? Does a root canal hurt? What does an abscessed tooth feel like? What would be considered a dental emergency? Why are my teeth so bad even though I brush? How long do dental implants take to heal?

Can gum disease cause cancer? Demineralization of the enamel is the first stage of tooth decay. It happens when the tooth is repeatedly exposed to acids from foods. At this stage of tooth decay, proper oral hygiene and exposure to fluoride can usually reverse the damage. Continued demineralization of the enamel leads to further tooth decay over time.

This decay can eventually cause holes in the teeth called dental caries , or cavities. If a cavity continues to progress without intervention, the decay will reach the dentin of the tooth. Dentin is the soft tissue beneath the enamel that is extremely sensitive. Once decay reaches the dentin, you may notice that a cavity becomes sensitive or painful. At this point, you may need a larger filling, inlay, or even a dental crown.

Beneath the dentin lies the pulp of the tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When a cavity reaches the pulp , the tooth begins to decay faster, leading to inflammation, swelling, and pain. In most cases, tooth decay that has reached the pulp of the tooth requires treatment with a root canal.

Dental abscesses happen when the bacteria that causes cavities continues to spread beneath the pulp of the tooth. These bacteria cause an infection and a pocket of pus beneath the tooth. Some abscesses go unnoticed until the pain and swelling become unbearable. Dental abscesses require immediate treatment and, in some cases, result in removal of the tooth. Some of the factors that influence how quickly tooth decay happens include:.

Symptoms of a cavity may vary from person to person and generally depend on the severity of the tooth decay. Over time, this white spot may become a hole in the tooth. A hole in the tooth is a sign that a cavity has formed. Below, you will find some tips for how to slow or reverse the progression of a cavity in the early stages.

In most cases, cavities are treated through the use of fillings. The decay will then be removed and filled in with a material to replace the decayed area. This used to be silver or gold, nowadays though this is more commonly natural-looking resin or porcelain that is much less noticeable. What Is a Cavity?

Really not good. How Are Cavities Treated by Dentists?