Tooth cavities are quite common. The good thing is they are a problem that can be easily solved through the use of fillings. However, when left untreated for a long time, cavities can transform into major dental complications, making it extremely challenging for dentists to treat them. While almost all of us know what happens during a procedure like filling, not many of us are aware of what happens when a tooth develops a cavity and that cavity is left untreated for long. In this article, we will discuss in detail the several different things that happen when you leave an oral cavity untreated for very long.
Cavities Promote the Formation of Other Cavities
The plaque buildup on a tooth damages the enamel, resulting in the formation of cavities. If a cavity is still in its early stage, you can treat it using fluoride treatment. If left untreated, the first cavity will quickly multiply into multiple nasty cavities. Thus, if you see a cavity, make sure to get it treated during the initial stage, i.e. while it is in the enamel stage, itself. If the cavity reaches the dentin or the middle layer, you are in big trouble.
Once They Reach the Nerves, They Cause Severe Pain
When left untreated for far too long, the cavity-induced tooth decay picks speed and eventually reaches the nerves of a tooth. This is a long process and usually takes time. However, once the cavity reaches the nerves, it leads to severe pain, one that is hard to handle. At this stage, you may either have to go for a root canal or in the worst-case scenario, tooth loss.
They May Become the Underlying Cause for Mouth and Jaw Infections
Cavities can also lead to mouth or jaw infection, which is something you must avoid at all costs for several reasons. To start with, mouth and jaw infections are hard to decipher. It is only when they begin to manifest themselves in the form of pus and swelling do we realize that we have developed an infection.
If you think you have developed a mouth or jaw infection, here’s how you can check for sure at home. Take some lukewarm water and use it to rinse the affected tooth. If you are suffering from any kind of infection, the water will cause the pain and inflammation to go down. If that happens, set up an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
They Can Turn Lethal
In the worst-case scenario, a cavity can also become life-threatening. An abscessed tooth, often caused by a cavity left untreated for far too long, can lead to problems, such as tooth loss, loss of jaw bone, and even heart and brain complications. While the chances of a cavity turning life-threatening are less, the possibility of such an unfortunate incident happening cannot be completely denied.
Conclusion
If you have cavities, the first thing you must do is set up an appointment with your dentist. Leaving a cavity untreated for far too long is a mistake you cannot afford to make.
If you are looking for a dentist, HPS Advanced Dental Care would love to see you. Dr. Heather and Dr. Maltese are gladly accepting new patients.
We are located at 4741 24 Mile Rd. Shelby Township, MI 48316, and we can be reached at (248) 652-0024. We look forward to meeting you!
