Cavities often precede far more severe oral health concerns, including the loss of teeth. The good news is that cavities are treatable in the early stages through dental fillings, root canal therapy, and dental crown treatment. However, if left untreated for an extended amount of time, cavities can eventually cause some highly undesirable complications.
The risks of leaving cavities untreated
The primary risks of leaving cavities untreated are the development of deep tooth decay, oral infection, and the loss of teeth. Subsequently, anytime signs of cavities develop, such as dark spots on teeth, teeth sensitivity, and small holes on the teeth, it is important to schedule a visit with a dentist.
Deep tooth decay
Cavities are likely to grow larger and deeper the longer they remain untreated. This is because it is far more likely that bacteria and food particles become trapped in the cavities, resulting in more acidic attacks that damage enamel and the deeper layers of the teeth. If deep tooth decay develops, then it can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as pain and sensitivity and can lead to the need for more invasive treatments to treat the cavities.
An oral infection
An oral infection often occurs due to untreated cavities. This is because deep tooth decay can leave the roots of teeth exposed, which allows bacteria to invade the root and cause a bacterial infection. The infection can cause pain to the tooth as well as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and other troubling symptoms. If left untreated for too long, the infection could possibly spread inside the mouth and body as a whole.
Dental abscess
A dental abscess results from an oral infection. It is essentially a pocket of pus that forms near the root of the tooth and can cause discomfort, swelling, and bad breath, along with a fever and swollen lymph nodes that can result from the infection. Most commonly, a dental abscess stems from an untreated dental cavity.
Increased risk of teeth loss
The ultimate outcome for many patients who do not seek prompt care for cavities is the loss of teeth. This occurs when the root of the tooth is no longer strong enough to support the tooth. For patients who have gum disease as well as cavities, the loss of teeth could be accelerated.
What are the early signs of dental cavities?
The early signs of cavities include dark spots on teeth, tooth sensitivity, small holes on teeth, and pain when biting down. In the early stages, the enamel may turn a lighter white color when it starts to weaken as well. Any signs that cavities may exist are cause for concern and should prompt a visit to the dentist.
Schedule a consultation visit for cavities treatment
If you believe you have one or more cavities, then contact our dental practice today. We can examine the severity of the cavities and make a treatment recommendation accordingly. Some of the more common forms of cavity treatment are fluoride, dental fillings, and root canal therapy.
Request an appointment here: https://cosmeticdentistsilverspring.com or call Lee Dentistry at (301) 605-1123 for an appointment in our Silver Spring office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cavities in Silver Spring, MD.
Related Posts
General Dentistry Tips for Healthy Tooth Enamel
General dentistry involves maintaining good oral health, which includes keeping the enamel of the teeth strong and healthy. The enamel is the outer surface of the teeth, which protects the inner portions. …
When to go to an Emergency Dentist for a Toothache
A toothache is often the first sign that you need to visit the emergency dentist. If the toothache persists for more than a few days, you could be dealing with an infected …
What a Complete Dental Exam Covers
Everyone wants to keep their smile white and healthy for as long as possible, and a complete dental exam every six months is the best way to achieve this goal. You want …
What Your Family Dentist Wants You to Know About Bad Breath
Suffering from bad breath? It is easy to neglect some of the most important routines when it comes to dental hygiene. While it is recommended to brush twice a day, there are …