I’ve had a toothache for a couple of days, but am terrified of the idea of going to a dentist. How long can a cavity wait before it turns serious?
Dan
Dear Dan,
First, let me assure you many people share your dental anxiety and prefer to avoid the dentist at all costs. As for your question, you should know that once you are feeling tooth pain, it is already serious.
For the most part, a cavity can’t be felt. Once it is causing pain, it has reached a critical stage and usually has reached the pulp of the tooth. This is considered a dental emergency and you need to be seen right away.
I know that is likely the last thing you wanted to hear, but I have something which will help you tremendously.
Overcoming Dental Anxiety
You will do best with a dentist who regularly treats anxious patients. They understand patient fears and know how to put them at ease. For regular appointments such as cleanings and checkups, they can go slow, are always gentle, and can tell you everything which is happening along the way if that helps you.
For other, more invasive, procedures they often have dental sedation options. For those with mild anxiety, you may only need nitrous oxide. Those with more severe anxiety will likely have oral conscious sedation recommended to them.
Dealing with Decay
When a cavity first appears, it is easiest to treat. A small composite filling is all that is needed. Catching them early is done by dentists at checkups.
Once the cavity has spread a certain amount, then your tooth needs a dental crown, because it’s too far gone for a cavity to keep it together.
If the decay reaches the pulp, a dentist will have to go in there and remove any infected tissue. This is known as a root canal treatment. This also requires a crown because the tooth will become brittle.
If you wait too long, the tooth can’t be saved. Then it has to be extracted and will require you to also pay for a tooth replacement.
As you can see, not only will you have an easier procedure the sooner you go in, but you can also save quite a bit of money as well.
This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Steven Collins.