A cavity is a hole in your tooth caused by decay. Bacteria in plaque can wear down tooth enamel over time to destroy your teeth. Proper oral hygiene can remove plaque, but if cavities already exist in your teeth, you will need it to be treated by a dental professional. If your dentist finds a cavity during a routine exam, it can be a hassle to schedule an additional appointment for treatment. However, it’s important to fill cavities as early as possible to avoid a dental emergency later. Dr. Brian Sang, a dentist in Florence, SC, outlines problems that untreated cavities cause that can require emergency dentistry.
Tooth breakage
Teeth are durable and can withstand the wear and tear of everyday usage, ordinarily. Cavities eat away at the structure of your teeth. The resulting damage leaves an unstable foundation that means your teeth could break with smaller amounts of pressure. A tooth fracture is painful and can expose the root of your tooth to further harm. Repairing your tooth may require emergency restorative dental work, such as tooth bonding or a dental crown. The procedure could be expensive. It will save time, money, and pain to treat a cavity early.
Tooth infection
Cavities leave room for bacteria to enter and cause infection. A tooth infection can be excruciating. Inflammation and swelling can usually be noticed around the affected area. Additional problems can occur if the infection spreads to other systems in your body. You may also experience a fever, which can be dangerous if left untreated. To avoid this, you should treat cavities as soon as possible.
Nerve damage
If cavities penetrate deep enough into your tooth, they can cause damage to your nerves. If the pulp is affected, it may need to be removed through root canal therapy. While the root canal procedure is not painful due to anesthesia during the surgery, the symptoms of nerve damage can be very uncomfortable. Sometimes, the nerves in the tooth can die due to tooth decay. In this case, you may need to have your tooth extracted. You may have to seek tooth replacement treatment on top of these procedures, which can become expensive. Early treatment of cavities should be sought before they become a dental emergency.
Emergency dentistry and more in Florence, SC
Palmetto Smiles offers general and emergency dentistry for patients in Florence, SC. Dr. Sang also provides cosmetic and restorative dental services for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 843.203.5155.