Don’t Ignore a Cavity – The Consequences Could Be Severe!
Everybody wants a glowing, healthy smile, but unfortunately, it takes more than just brushing and flossing. Regular dental check-ups are just as important to maintain healthy teeth and gums. A routine dental examination can help identify a cavity before it worsens, and prevents irreversible damage or tooth loss. In this article, we discuss the consequences of ignoring a cavity and the importance of timely treatment.
Increased Sensitivity
A cavity is nothing but the decay of the tooth caused by the bacteria in the mouth. Initially, you may experience mild to severe sensitivity when consuming hot or cold drinks or food. However, if the cavity is not treated, the tooth’s pulp which contains the nerves and blood vessels will be exposed to the bacteria, exacerbating the sensitivity issue. This can lead to pain while eating, talking, or even while sleeping.
Teeth Damage
As the cavity grows deeper and larger, it will eat away a significant portion of the tooth, exposing the dentin (the sensitive layer of tooth tissue beneath the enamel). This leaves the tooth more vulnerable to sudden and acute damage. Chewing hard or crunchy food, using excessive pressure while brushing, or clenching your teeth can easily chip or break the infected tooth.
Gum Disease
A cavity that is ignored for a long time can infect the root of the tooth, leading to gum disease. The bacteria can cause inflammation and redness in the gums, and they can become swollen and start bleeding. Gum disease can lead to loosening of the tooth, finally leading to complete tooth loss. Untreated gum disease can exacerbate into a more acute form of gum disease, compromising the overall oral health.
Tooth Abscess
If the cavity is ignored for long, the bacteria eat through the tooth’s enamel and reach the pulp containing the nerves in the innermost layer of the tooth. The bacteria can cause severe inflammation, forming pus beneath the gum line. This can result in a tooth abscess in the form of pain, swelling, and fever, and can even spread further into the face, jaw, or neck, leading to severe complications.
Expensive Treatment
Ignoring a cavity can lead to tooth damage and gum disease and may require a root canal or tooth extraction, which can be more expensive than the initial cavity filling. Delaying the cavity treatment can also lead to more significant, unsolvable problems, requiring even more expensive or time-intensive treatments like implants or even bridges.
Contact Us Today!
The bottom line is, ignoring a cavity can lead to serious oral health problems and can be detrimental to the overall wellness. Seeking immediate dental attention and regular checkups ensure a healthy, glowing smile, and prevent the difficult and expensive treatment required to fix major dental problems. Don’t let the pain or sensitivity persist any more extended, contact Plaza Dental Parker in Parker, CO, and get the right medical aid. Don’t compromise on your oral wellbeing; keep in touch with your dentist regularly.