In a lot of cases, people with dental cavities do not feel sensitivity or pain until it is bigger. Because of this, they may ignore the condition. However, not seeing a dentist in Riverside, CA, for treatment will just make the condition worse. When left untreated, the decay will penetrate the enamel and keep going deeper into your tooth’s root. Ignoring a cavity can lead to tooth damage, a dental infection, or tooth loss. 

What are Dental Cavities?

Dental cavities are holes that develop in teeth because of tooth decay. They are common in children and result from acids in the mouth, foods, and drinks. When not addressed right away, a cavity can erode away the tooth enamel. Apart from children, people of any age can have a dental cavity. When not treated immediately, it can cause serious toothache and pain, infections, and abscesses. 

Do Dental Cavities Go Away Without Treatment?

Once a cavity develops, it continues to penetrate the deeper layers of your teeth, causing additional harm. If you have a dental cavity, ensure you see your dentist to address the issue. Otherwise, the cavity will get bigger in size, resulting in worse health issues over time. 

Treatment for Cavities

The treatment option for your cavity depends on how serious it is. Dental fillings are commonly used to treat cavities. In general, they are suitable for cavities that have not reached serious decay. The procedure involves drilling the affected tooth to get rid of the decayed parts and filling the hole with resin, silver, or gold. 

In addition, a dental crown can be used to address a cavity. Generally, the dentist will recommend a crown if the affected tooth has sustained serious decay. A dental crown is a custom cap that goes on top of your decayed tooth, replacing the natural crown that has been damaged. 

In serious cases, a root canal procedure may need to be performed to treat a cavity. This includes getting rid of the decayed parts of the affected tooth, the blood vessel tissue, and the nerve tissue. Medicine may be applied to the root before the tooth is filled. 

You can avoid dental cavities by staying on top of your oral hygiene. Aside from regular toothbrushing and flossing, you should visit your dentist twice every year for a checkup and cleaning. This way, your dentist can spot any signs of developing cavities and address them at this early stage.