Have you ever just brushed off (pun intended!) a small toothache or tooth sensitivity because you assumed it wasn’t a big deal? If you have, you aren’t alone. Many people just ignore signs of cavities, for various reasons such as fear of pain or fear of dentists themselves, time restraints and schedule conflicts, and prohibitive costs. However, ignoring cavities can lead to far worse problems down the road. Arise Dental, a top Chandler dentist, offers a compassionate and preventive approach that can help you feel at ease and receive the care you need. In this blog, our Chandler dentists explain what happens if you ignore a cavity and how quickly things can go from minor to serious.
Weeks 1–4: A Small Problem You Can’t Feel (Yet)
In the beginning, a cavity might not seem like a significant problem. Early-stage cavities form when plaque starts breaking down enamel. There is no pain at this stage; most people don’t realize it’s happening. Because it doesn’t hurt yet, it’s best to keep up your regularly scheduled dental appointments, so that they can catch a cavity right when it starts. The early stage of what happens if you ignore a cavity is often silent, but just because it’s painless doesn’t mean it’s harmless.
Months 1–3: Sensitivity and Minor Discomfort Appear
One of the first noticeable signs of what happens if you ignore a cavity is tooth sensitivity that lingers after eating or drinking. During this stage:
- The decay breaks through the enamel and reaches the dentin.
- You may feel mild pain with cold drinks, sweets, or brushing.
- At this point, the cavity is still treatable with a simple filling.
Months 3–6: Increased Pain and Tooth Decay Progress
During months three through six, bacteria reach deeper layers of the tooth. Pain may become more consistent and sharper. By month three or four, what happens if you ignore a cavity can include jaw pain, trouble chewing, and visible tooth damage. There is an increased risk of the cavity spreading to surrounding teeth or causing gum inflammation.
Months 6–12: Infection Sets In—Now You May Need a Root Canal
During these months, the most significant change occurs. Here are a few things that happen after about half a year since a cavity forms:
- Bacteria enter the pulp of the tooth, causing infection
- Swelling, abscesses, or pus may form
- Root canal therapy or extraction is often required
At this stage of what happens if you ignore a cavity, saving the tooth is still possible, but now it requires more invasive and costly treatment.
Beyond 1 Year: Tooth Loss and Serious Health Risks
The final stage of what happens if you ignore a cavity includes tooth loss, bone damage, and threats to your overall health. After a year of ignoring a cavity, the untreated infection can lead to total tooth loss. Infection spreads, potentially reaching the jawbone or bloodstream. Many people don’t realize this, but untreated cavities at this stage can actually affect your health in multiple negative ways, including heart health, pregnancy, and more.
How to Stop the Timeline Early: Prevention and Early Care
Now that you know what happens if you ignore a cavity, take action early with regular care from the team at Arise Dental. Schedule consistent routine checkups and cleanings every six months so that your Chandler dentist can make sure any small cavities are taken care of promptly. You can ask your dentist if extra fluoride or sealants are right for you. In addition, preventive measures such as proper brushing and flossing, drinking lots of water, and eating healthy foods. Contact Arise Dental to schedule your appointment. Read on for a review from one of Areise Dental’s patients:
Everyone was so kind & patiently explained what I needed and how they wanted to approach my issue. I walked away relieved that I received the proper care. I will definitely be going back if I need to! – A. Smith
Cavities Don’t Just Disappear! Call Arise Dental for Help
Cavities don’t stay small; they grow and can damage more than just your teeth. Don’t wait til it hurts. Arise Dental in Chandler TX offers gentle care, early cavity detection, and stress-free fillings. Contact us today!