Is it worth it to fill a small cavity?

The good news is that if your cavity is small enough, you probably don’t need to have it filled. Since tooth decay is a slowly-progressing problem, catching cavities in their early stages can save you from needing a filling.

Do all cavities get bigger?

For all the good brushing does, it will not eliminate the cavity. The bottom line is you do not have the power to stop your cavity from growing. Your cavity will gradually expand to the point that it moves into the pulp chamber and spurs pain. If the cavity reaches the pulp of the tooth, it will require a root canal.

What happens if you have a cavity and don’t get it filled?

If you ignore a cavity, it will continue to grow in size. One bad cavity could lead to a second cavity before long. Decay of the tooth will widen and deepen; this will make you more prone to brittle teeth leaving them to the possibility of cracking and breaking.

How fast do cavities progress?

The time it takes for a cavity to form varies. It can, on average, take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity requires treatment. The length of time it takes will vary on a case-by-case basis because the conditions of your mouth differ daily.

How long can I ignore a cavity?

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.

Is it safe to fill a cavity in a baby tooth?

Sarah Mar 1, 2013 at 5:09 PM Unless the cavity is severe enough to do damage, filling cavities in baby teeth is costly and does no good for any child. I can understand if a child has a very severe cavity that causes pain, but usually these types of cavities take many years to develop.

What happens to your teeth when you have a cavity?

Once the cavity penetrates into dentin, the decay spreads laterally and the benefits of fluoride and saliva become less effective – things can’t reach these areas as readily and the cavity is considered irreversible . Most patients, when told they have cavities, typically say, “but I don’t feel anything”.

What happens when a dentist does a filling?

When dentists do a filling, they remove the softened part of the tooth and this creates a void which is then filled back in with some other material. The material used can be good for you or bad – you can read more about that here . The problem is that not all dentists agree on what stage of decay warrants treatment. A tooth with a cavity.

Can my child’s cavity be repaired?

Keep in mind that this repair will probably NOT occur unless your child’s diet and oral hygiene dramatically improve! There’s a reason that your child started to get a cavity and if nothing is done to change the habits that started the cavity, then the cavity will probably get worse.