Untreated Cavity: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatments

Going to a dentist is not only for the benefit of your teeth but also for your gums, mouth, and overall health. If you have an untreated cavity, do not wait until it causes you pain and discomfort. Schedule an appointment with your dentist right away to get proper treatment and prevent worsening your present condition. If you do not yet have a dentist, you can go to this link: DDSSDentistsSydneyCBD.com.au.

What are cavities?

A cavity, also known as tooth decay or caries, is a hole that develops in your tooth. Even though it starts small, the untreated cavity can gradually become more extensive. Since numerous cavities do not cause pain in the initial stage, it can be difficult to notice an issue. Standard dental appointments can spot tooth decay early.

Cavities and tooth decay are probably the most common health difficulties in the world. Anyone with teeth can have holes, as well as infants. Toddlers and kids should see their dentist every year to prevent this issue.

Knowing that you have a cavity may come as a surprise, especially if you think you have a good oral hygiene habit. Regardless of whether your dentist brings this news, there are approaches to treat a cavity and keep new ones from establishing.

Signs and Symptoms of Cavities

In case you think that you may have tooth decay or cavity, it is possible because you are encountering a few or all of the following side effects:

Tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can be a sign of tooth decay. This condition may cause you to be sensitive to hot and cold food and beverages. However, having tooth sensitivity is not generally an indication of a cavity since this symptom can happen for different reasons.

Toothache

An untreated cavity can result in extreme tooth pain. Encountering pain when you eat, speak, or experiencing an aching sensation in the mouth gives you a warning sign that you need to visit your dentist. This symptom is one of the most common indications of tooth decay.

Visible hole in the tooth

A cavity is just another term to describe a hole in the tooth. Hence, if you can notice a hole in your tooth, schedule an appointment with your dentist to have it looked at.

Complications of Untreated Cavities

Our teeth do not have a natural ability to heal and repair themselves. Once you have a cavity or tooth decay, only a dental professional can treat your tooth. Besides, when your cavities are neglected, they can get worse. The best way to treat a cavity and avoid complications is by getting dental treatment on time. Cavities that left untreated may bring about some of the following difficulties:

Tooth infection

An untreated cavity can usually cause a bacterial infection or tooth abscess. Without proper treatment, bacteria can go through the tooth and progress into severe infection under the gums. This complication can create a persistent, throbbing toothache.

Tooth loss

Once cavities are extensive, there may be no option, but to eliminate the tooth completely. This condition is a worst-case scenario, yet it occurs.

Bad breath

The mouth contains lots of bacteria. Bacteria that remain in the cavity can cause awful breath. The only technique to permanently dispose of the foul odor is to cure whatever is producing it. Brushing teeth and using mouthwash can only eliminate the smell temporarily.

A necessity for more broad treatment 

A more elaborate procedure, for example, a root canal treatment, may be necessary in order to keep the tooth. This condition frequently needs several dental arrangements.

Financial inconveniences and stress 

Whenever complex dental treatment is necessary, it is probably going to charge you more money. However, you can prevent a broad and expensive procedure by treating your cavity early when the tooth decay is not as serious.

Discoloration

Earthy colored, yellow or even dark spots can form in the teeth that have decay. The colored area will probably get worse if the cavity is not examined and corrected by a dentist.

To prevent worsening your untreated cavity, follow the proper oral hygiene practice and visit your dentist. This preventative action will also avoid new symptoms related to dental cavities.

Different Treatment Options for Cavities

Inform your dentist about distressing symptoms like tooth pain or sensitivity. Your dentist can spot cavity after an oral examination. However, a few cavities are not evident from an oral exam. That is why your dentist will take a dental X-ray to check for decay.

Even though there are various ways to treat a cavity, options will depend on severity. These include:

Tooth Fillings

Tooth fillings are a simple procedure to prevent cavity. A dentist will clean and remove rotted material from a tooth. After that, your dentist fills your tooth with a substance like composite resin, gold, or silver.

Dental Crowns

For more extreme decay, your dentist may use a custom-fit cap above your tooth to substitute its regular crown. Your dentist will eliminate rotted tooth material before doing the technique.

Root Canals

Once you have dead tooth nerves, your dentist will do a root canal treatment to keep your tooth. They take away the tissues of blood vessels and nerves and any rotted territories of your tooth. After that, your dentist will check for infections and apply medication to the roots as necessary. At long last, they fill the tooth, and they may even put a crown on it.

Initial treatment for Untreated Cavity

Fluoride Treatment

Once your dentist spots a cavity in its early phase, a fluoride treatment may reestablish your tooth enamel and abstain from further decay.

Dealing with pain

Tooth decay and cavities can be the reason for a lot of pain and inconvenience. You might need to find approaches to soothe irritation while you wait for your dental schedule. These few things can help you deal with discomfort temporarily:

Maintain good oral hygiene practice. Keep brushing and cleaning all areas of your mouth, as well as any sensitive parts.

Purchase over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Consult your doctor if you can buy OTC medicines.

Observe what you eat. Keep away from very hot or cold foods when eating or drinking.

Prevention

Cavities and tooth decay are typical dental problem. However, you can lessen your danger by following good oral hygiene habits. These include:

• Brush your teeth two times a day using fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss your teeth daily
• Eat fewer sweets and acidic foods, such as candy, soda, juice, and refined carbohydrates.
• Limit eating snacks between meals.
• Consider getting dental sealants on your teeth.

Moreover, the most important thing is to visit your dentist at least twice a year for standard dental cleanings. This practice allows you to receive proper treatment for any complications your dentist may detect, and it will help avoid future dental difficulties.