There are a lot of things in life that we put off until the last minute, but a cavity shouldn’t be one of them! If you recently found out that you have a cavity, you might be trying to decide whether or not you need to go to the dentist right away for a filling. You might even be considering putting it off if there is no sensitivity or pain. Before you decide to wait another month before booking an appointment, here are 5 reasons why you should consider going to the dentist ASAP for a filling:
- Tooth Decay Always Gets Worse
Unfortunately, you can’t reverse a cavity. While you can stop the tooth decay process in its early stages, once it’s created a hole in the tooth, it is impossible for the area to repair itself. As time passes, the cavity will get bigger, and if left untreated, this can result in needing a root canal and crown down the road. - Advanced Decay Doesn’t Always Hurt
It might seem tempting to skip the dentist because you don’t feel pain in your teeth. However, pain is not always an indicator of whether or not you need dental intervention. Other symptoms like food getting caught in the teeth, food/drink sensitivity, rough edges or feeling like your tooth isn’t quite right can be symptoms of a cavity or abscess. It’s always best to consult with a dentist at the first signs of irregular feeling in your teeth. - Tooth Decay Can Spread
Tooth decay is a bacterial infection that breaks down enamel with the acids in the bacteria. This means that it functions like any other bacteria – it can grow larger and spread to nearby teeth, causing more cavities. Placing a filling in the first tooth can save you from more advanced tooth decay down the road. - Fillings Will Save You Money
Avoiding going to the dentist for minor treatments can seem like an easy way to save money. Unfortunately, for many people, the opposite turns out to be true. Leaving a cavity untreated will allow it to grow and even spread to other teeth. The longer you wait to visit your dentist, the larger your filling will need to be. In more serious cases, you may need to pay for more expensive treatments like crowns, root canals, antibiotics for infection, or even extraction if the tooth needs to be removed! In short, a little filling now can save you a lot of money later. - Treating Your Cavity Now Prevents Pain Later
Similar to saving money, treating your cavity now will also prevent pain later. Tooth decay eats away at the protective enamel on your teeth, and can reach the inner layers. This means that cavities can grow into abscesses, and can lead to pain and swelling in the gums, jaw, neck and even head. Infection doesn’t just mean a little discomfort, it can mean serious complications if left to grow untreated!
How Can Litchfield Dental Associates Help You?
If you are interested in gentle and effective dental care, or need to get a filling, give Litchfield Dental Associates a call today to schedule an appointment.