Like most ailments, the longer you leave a cavity without treatment, the worse it's going to get. In a span of 3-6 months cavities can reach the nerve of your tooth.
It can take as long as five years from the time a cavity begins to develop to when the tooth needs treatment to prevent the cavity from spreading further. For some people, though, that period can be as short as a few months.
A cavity can take anywhere from six months to five years to develop before it requires treatment. The wide range here is influenced by the conditions in a person's mouth, including their hygiene, diet, and genetic factors. The area where the cavity is forming can also influence the rate at which it develops.
In some cases, early signs of tooth erosion in the enamel can be successfully treated with fluoride toothpaste or surface filling materials. But once an actual cavity forms, dentists usually recommend treating it within a year.
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.
On average, as a broad timeline, it can take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity needs treatment. The conditions of your mouth change daily. Conclusion: a cavity can start to form, then not have the right conditions to develop.
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!
If a cavity goes untreated for a year, the tooth may die. The tooth will probably feel painful, sore, and may feel brittle or loose. You may also notice brown, dark yellow, or black discoloration around the tooth. You may also notice redness and swelling around the gums.
Diet – Tooth decay can often be caused by what we eat and drink. If you don't typically brush your teeth right after every meal you can cause some damage. Sugar can remain on the teeth, between them, and around your gumline as well. This can become a feeding ground or bacteria.
As far as statistics for the average number of cavities, the number varies across different age groups. In general, adults develop an average of three cavities during their lifetimes. This means that the average adult has three or four fillings in their mouth.
What Does a Cavity Feel Like? Your tooth enamel doesn't have any nerve endings, so if the decay is just on the surface you might not feel anything. If the damage gets down through the enamel, deeper into the inner layer or dentin, you're more likely to: Feel a toothache or feel pain when eating, drinking or biting down.
If a cavity does not cause an infection, it can still spread throughout your tooth and weaken it from the inside out. As your tooth rots and decays, it will fall apart and crack easily. This cavity can spread to your other teeth, making them brittle as well.
Root canal therapy may be needed if you have a decayed tooth that has reached the pulp and caused an infection. This option is chosen for severe cases when dental fillings are no longer a viable option. Persistent or severe tooth pain may be a sign you need a root canal.
At this stage, the tooth has eroded the enamel and is starting to erode the dentin underneath. If you start to feel any kind of pain in your tooth it is your tooth's way of telling you to get to the dentist as quickly as possible. Once the cavity has reached the dentin it will start to decay more rapidly.
Pretty much everyone gets a cavity or two in their lifetime, even with good dental hygiene. The average American adult has three fillings. But if you tend to get a lot of cavities, you may be wondering why. Are you more cavity-prone than other people?
If you wait to have a root canal, you're only providing that infection more time to gain strength and spread. Infection can spread from the tooth into the bloodstream, and then you have a much more serious issue than a common and routine dental practice.
In reality, it is never too late to fix bad teeth, though in some cases, the fix is the extraction of a dead tooth. However, with the help of your skilled Billings, MT dentist, your teeth can be properly taken care of, and you can start enjoying your smile again.
However, if a tooth is severely damaged, your dentist may not be able to save it. In these cases, they will normally recommend that the tooth be removed. Dentists may recommend removal in the following circumstances: Dental injury resulting in a cracked or fractured tooth or root.
Can tooth decay be reversed? Yes, if it is caught early. Tooth decay is only reversible in the beginning stages when it has only affected the enamel or the hard outer protective coating of the tooth. Once tooth decay has progressed through the enamel into the softer, inner part of the tooth, it is irreversible.
Composite resin fillings typically last for 5-10 years. Some people manage to keep the fillings longer, though. In fact, some patients have these fillings for 12 or more years. There are some factors that contribute to the length of time a filling will last.