Here's What Happens When You Ignore a Tooth Cavity

It may seem that only children get dental cavities, but tooth decay impacts people of all ages. Fortunately, dental cavities can be caught early if you follow specific guidelines put forward by the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA has found that twice-yearly dental exams and teeth cleanings lower your risks for oral health conditions like cavities and gum disease. Your dentist in Fairfax agrees with these findings.

Dental exams help your dentist spot issues early before they become costly or time-consuming. Teeth cleanings get rid of the tartar and bacteria that lead to oral health conditions like cavities and gum disease.

Preventive and General Dentistry in Fairfax

Preventive dentistry is proactive, but general dentistry is maintenance driven. General dentistry considers everything from dental fillings to treat cavities to root canals to eliminate pain and restore tooth health. General dentistry plays a crucial role in your long-term oral health because it repairs dental health issues.

When you Ignore Tooth Cavities

Often, you can’t see a dental cavity—they tend to start small, which is why dental exams are crucial. As a cavity grows, you may notice a spot on your tooth or an indentation when you run your tongue over the area. You may think that because the cavity is not causing pain that it can wait, but here is what happens when you don’t seek treatment for a tooth cavity:

• The cavity increases in size, compromising your tooth’s stability
• The cavity deepens and may lead to a brittle tooth and even a fracture
• The decay reaches your nerve, and you require a root canal or in severe cases an extraction

Schedule Your Next Dental Exam with Our Fairfax Dentist

If you haven’t visited the dentist in a while, or if it’s time for your next preventive checkup, contact a member of our dental team to schedule your next exam.