Why Is It So Important To Treat Cavities Promptly?
Posted on: 10 January 2017
When you find out you have a cavity (or suspect you may have one), it's important to have it treated as soon as possible. Though dentists typically tell their patients this, some patients under-estimate the importance of prompt cavity treatment and put it off for months or even years. Your dentist is not lying to you or trying to line their pockets. They really do have your best interests at heart when they recommend you come in to have your cavity filled ASAP. Here's why.
Your cavity won't heal itself.
You may have seen articles written by natural health "gurus" claiming that your cavities will heal themselves if you wait long enough or rinse your mouth with some magical essential oils. But this is nothing more than a false claim, often with the goal of selling you some healing oils or a diet book. A cavity is a space where your tooth enamel has literally been eaten away by bacteria. According to the NIH, cavities are permanent. The only way to repair them is with a filling; your body will not heal the cavity on its own.
The treatment process will be simpler now than later.
Cavities tend to continue growing in size until your dentist does something about them. Right now, your cavity may be pretty small. Your dentist can treat it by using a drill to remove the infected tooth material, and then inserting a material like metal amalgam or composite resin into the hole.
If you wait until your cavity grows larger, your tooth may be left too weak by the time your dentist drills out the affected tissue. You may then need to have your tooth covered with a crown to protect it. There's also a chance that the decay will extend into the pulp of the tooth, which is the inner portion of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels are located. If this happens, you'll likely need a root canal – which is an extensive procedure that removes the living matter inside your tooth. A root canal can keep a tooth in your mouth, but you'll stand a high risk of losing that tooth since the procedure effectively "kills" the tooth.
Cavities can cause unwanted symptoms.
In the early stages, cavities don't typically cause any symptoms. But if left untreated, they start causing tooth sensitivity and pain. You may have trouble consuming hot or cold beverages, or you may have pain when you bite down too hard. Have your cavity filled now while it's still pain-free.
For more information, contact local professionals like Plymouth Valley Dental Group.
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