Every Cavity Is Different. 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.
A cavity can take anywhere from six months to five years to develop before it requires treatment. The wide range here is influenced by the conditions in a person's mouth, including their hygiene, diet, and genetic factors. The area where the cavity is forming can also influence the rate at which it develops.
Cavities don't just form overnight; in reality, it can take a few months or even a year before the tooth decay advances to a point where the cavity will need attention. Therefore it's essential to schedule a dental and oral examination every six months.
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. That's not good.
Cavities don't develop overnight. It takes weeks, months, even years for a cavity to form. In fact, most cavities take around six months to five years to develop. If a cavity is caught early enough, you can actually reverse the damage to your child's teeth.
If your tooth pain is severe and gets much worse at night then there is a chance you are suffering from pulpitis. Pulpitis occurs when tooth decay and infection spreads past the outer layers of the tooth, infecting the pulp – which consists of nerves and blood vessels.
You may wait several months before having a cavity filled; however, waiting can lead to further decay, broken or damaged teeth, and jaw and chewing problems. Most dentists recommend having cavities filled as soon as possible to prevent the progression of decay and other oral health problems.
Here's what you need to remember: Small or moderately sized cavities are usually treatable with fillings. Those that are too deep or too large may require a more intensive treatment. Once bacteria have entered your tooth, it may be too late for a filling because we will need to prevent or treat an existing infection.
The nerves that allow you to feel your teeth also live in this area. As the cavity gets worse, the bacteria will infect the tooth pulp and tooth root, and can kill the tooth. If a cavity goes untreated for a year, the tooth may die.
In most cases, by the time you notice the symptoms of tooth decay, it will be too late to reverse the damage with natural methods. You will need to consult your dentist to prevent the damage from spreading to other areas of the tooth.
Diet – Tooth decay can often be caused by what we eat and drink. If you don't typically brush your teeth right after every meal you can cause some damage. Sugar can remain on the teeth, between them, and around your gumline as well. This can become a feeding ground or bacteria.
Noticing a cavity for the first time isn't a dental emergency, but sometimes a cavity does warrant immediate attention from your dentist. If the pain is so severe that you can't wait for a regularly scheduled appointment, it may be a dental emergency.
Unfortunately, if treatment is delayed for too long, a small cavity can transform into a serious issue that will negatively affect your oral health. Our family dentists at MI Smiles Dental will all resoundingly tell you that it is not wise to wait extensive amounts of time to fill a cavity.
Brushing is essential to preventing your cavity from worsening. Brushing will also help prevent the formation of even more cavities. Zero in on the cavity as you brush to eliminate any remaining food particles from your snack or meal. This thorough brushing can help hinder the cavity's progression.
You may need to have a tooth extracted if: Periodontal disease has badly infected the tooth. The tooth is badly damaged and cannot be restored by a filling or a crown. You are suffering from pain even after a filling, crown, or treatment for a root canal.
In general, adults develop an average of three cavities during their lifetimes. This means that the average adult has three or four fillings in their mouth. Some patients end up with ten or more fillings depending on how well they care for their teeth.
If you wait to have a root canal, you're only providing that infection more time to gain strength and spread. Infection can spread from the tooth into the bloodstream, and then you have a much more serious issue than a common and routine dental practice.
Root Canals Aren't Possible with Severe Infection
If the deepest layers of the pulp become infected, it may be too late to save the tooth. In addition, if a large portion of the tooth is lost and a crown cannot be placed on what's left, root canal treatment is no longer a viable solution.
If your tooth has decay to the enamel or dentin, a simple filling is enough to repair the cavity. However, if the cavity is left untreated, the decay will reach the deepest layer of the tooth, the nerve tissue. At this point, a root canal is necessary to repair the tooth.
Cavities are a gateway to infection, which can spread fast the longer it goes untreated. As soon as an infection makes its way into your bloodstream, it can travel throughout the rest of your body, which has fatal consequences. Without treating a cavity, you risk serious illness and death.
In some cases, early signs of tooth erosion in the enamel can be successfully treated with fluoride toothpaste or surface filling materials. But once an actual cavity forms, dentists usually recommend treating it within a year. It's also important to note that timelines can vary depending on your specific dental needs.
After consuming cool or sweet foods or beverages, a cavity frequently starts as a dull ache, but it can worsen and cause more pain over time. It might be sensitive as well. A cavity that is more severe may cause strong pain that lasts for a few seconds or more.