One question that comes up time and time again is: “How long should I wait to get a cavity filled”, and to be honest – this really depends on who you ask and how big the cavity is or how much pain it is causing you. If you suspect that you may have a cavity, then it’s time to visit your dentist so that you can find out whether or not you need a filling. Tooth decay can have serious consequences for your oral health, especially if it goes untreated. If you do discover that you have tooth decay, should you have it treated right away? How long can a cavity wait to get filled? In some cases, if you catch a tooth decaying early enough, a simple fluoride solution will help to restore the enamel on the damaged part of the tooth. As a rule of thumb, however, if you are experiencing extreme pain or sensitivity you may need to have it treated through oral surgery. One thing remains the same in all scenarios, however. The longer you wait to get it treated, the more damage will occur. Also, the higher the cost will end up being. This is why it is important to get a cavity filled as soon as possible.

What is a Cavity?

A cavity is an actual hole on the surface of a tooth. In almost all cases they are the result of ongoing tooth decay from dental plaque that has continued to build upon the tooth surface. Through natural biological processes in your mouth, bacteria convert to sugar in food particles into an abrasive acid, which then leads to enamel erosion.

How can I tell if I Have a Cavity?

You can tell if you have one through a visual inspection of your teeth, most of the time. In some cases, cavities are inside of the tooth or in between them, which can only be seen through an X-ray device. It’s important to mention that early tooth decay may not actually be painful. You don’t always experience the traditional sensitivity to hot and cold substances either. This reason specifically is why it is so important to get regular checkups. It’s best to have thorough exams from a dentist. Further decay, however, will begin to cause pain in your teeth or jaw when it reaches the pulp cavity of the tooth. This is where the nerve endings for your teeth exist and why you feel pain in the peripheral area. At this point, if your cavity is not addressed, it may turn into a dental abscess.

How Are Cavities Treated?

Knowing when to get a decayed tooth filled may be the difference in the treatment the dentist recommends. The longer treatment is delayed, the more invasive it may become.

• Mild to moderate cases of cavities are most commonly treated with fillings or restorations. During this procedure, your dentist will use a drill to remove the damaged part of the tooth and then fill the surface with a restorative material. These materials vary in appearance, cost, durability, and color.
• If the damage to the tooth is beyond moderate, it may require the use of a crown. This process involves drilling away the crown tooth that currently exists and replacing it with a covering. Like fillings, crowns can be made of different materials and vary in appearance, cost, durability, and color.
• If the tooth has been left untreated for many months, it may require a root canal. This is the process in which the top part of the tooth is removed. The pulp inside of the pulp cavity is cleaned out. The remaining hole packed and then the tooth crowned to prevent future bacteria from entering.
• If the tooth can not be saved due to long-term neglect, it will need to be extracted. After the tooth is extracted and has healed an implant or bridge can be used to restore the aesthetic appearance of the tooth.

How long should you wait before having your cavity treated?

Once your dentist has diagnosed you with tooth decay, the next matter to consider is when you will have it filled. Should you have your filling done right away, or can you afford to wait to fill a cavity? It is crucial that you have your tooth decay treated by your dentist as quickly as possible. 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.

Getting your cavities filled is very important!

Hopefully, this article has given you a better understanding of when to get a cavity filled. As outlined above, it is best practice to get it addressed as soon as you notice it to prevent future damages. At the dental offices of Dr. Dalesandro, we take great pride in addressing your dental health as quickly as possible to prevent future damages of your teeth. If you have a decaying tooth or you need an exam, please call our offices with our team of professional technicians.

Can decayed teeth be fixed? First let’s discuss tooth decay briefly. Tooth decay is a process that happens over time. Untreated tooth decay will become cavities. There are hundreds of different kinds of bacteria in the mouth, which you can read more about in this article. In terms of treatment, fluoride is the best defense against tooth decay, and because many of us drink bottled water today, we are not getting enough fluoride in our diet.

The number one thing you should remember is that treatment cannot wait if you have tooth decay. It can take some time for tooth decay to deteriorate the teeth and cause further problems, and if left untreated, it starts getting expensive day by day.

The Causes of Tooth Decay

There is a multitude of reasons that you might have tooth decay. Plaque causes tooth decay. The spaces between teeth, areas around former fillings (especially with cracked and chipped fillings), the grooves and cracks in the teeth, and the areas close to the gum line are where plaque builds up. Prevention is almost always the answer to how can a rotten tooth be fixed.

Here is a look at the leading causes of tooth decay:

• Poor oral hygiene is to blame for most tooth decay. Plaque begins to build up when you do not brush as often as you should.
• Constant dry mouth can also lead to an increase in tooth decay. Saliva helps to wash away bacteria in the mouth and can prevent plaque.
• Eating carbohydrates can lead to tooth decay as there are natural bacteria in the mouth that transforms to acid when it mixes with the carbohydrates you eat.
• There are many medical problems, including exposure to medications and treatments that can lead to tooth decay.
• Eating and drinking sugary foods, foods that are high in acid, and alcohol can all cause the teeth to accumulate more plaque.
• Plaque forms on the teeth and builds up over time when not removed, which leads to tooth decay. Regular dental appointments and cleanings will reduce the risks associated with plaque build-up.

Preventing Tooth Decay

Here are the things you need to know to prevent and remedy tooth decay.

• Fluoride – Fluoride treatments are becoming necessary as many individuals prefer bottled water to tap water.
• Avoiding Certain Foods and Drinks – Avoiding foods and drinks that are highly acidic, high in carbohydrates, or contain sugars can help reduce the chance of tooth decay.
• Brushing Regularly – Brushing your teeth is an essential step in preventing tooth decay and plaque build-up. You should brush when you wake up, before going to bed, and after eating or drinking foods with acid or sugar.
• Regular Dental Exams – Regular dental exams are the best defense against tooth decay.

People Also Ask:

How Much Does It Cost to Fix Decayed Teeth?

Dental treatments are relatively affordable if caught early and answer the question can decayed teeth be fixed. The longer decayed teeth go without treatment, the more advanced the treatment becomes; consequently, the cost dramatically increases.

What Happens If Tooth Decay is Left Untreated?

Tooth decay can be expensive to fix, so many go without treating dental issues unless they become too painful to manage. The best way to know how a decayed tooth can be saved is through proper treatment. This can lead to further damage, including painful tooth abscesses that occur after untreated cavities form infections in teeth.

How Can I Remove Tooth Decay Myself?

Decaying teeth have cavities, which are small holes in the teeth. While there is not a way to fix cavities on your own, there are many ways that you can remove plaque or slow the rate of decay, which include:

• Oil Pulling – This is merely using coconut oil to swish or pull through your teeth.
• No Phytic Acid – Studies conducted as long ago as the 1930s have shown a connection between phytic acid (often found in legumes and cereals) and cavities.
• Skip the Sugar – Skipping sugary drinks and foods is one way to avoid further issues with teeth. After eating sugar, always rinse your mouth with water.
• Chew Sugar-Free Gum – After meals where brushing your teeth is not convenient, chew sugar-free gum as it helps to remove the bacteria on your teeth after eating.
• Increase Vitamin D – Eating higher vitamin D foods will make your teeth stronger and reduce the risk of cavities.
• Try Aloe Vera – Aloe vera naturally fights against the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Today aloe vera tooth gels are available, but the most potent form is straight from the plant.

Can Decayed Teeth Be Whitened?

It is possible to whiten decayed teeth. Before you can whiten your teeth, you should have all cavities fixed. Whitening with cavities can cause sensitivity or pain. The dentist’s office is the place to go for tooth whitening, and a change that is five to eight shades whiter is possible.

It is essential to know that yes is the answer to: can decayed teeth be fixed. One of the best dentists in the Tucson area is Dr. Dalesandro, who has the experience you want to help you with your dental problems; call today for your next appointment.