Let’s be honest – most people don’t exactly love going to the dentist. But cavities don’t go away on their own. You might wonder, “What happens if I ignore a cavity for too long?” The truth is, skipping dental care can lead to bigger (and more painful) problems. Thankfully, modern restorative dentistry treatments with Thomas F. Brown, DDS, can help, but only if you act in time.
If you notice increasing tooth sensitivity, tiny holes, or dark or white spots on your teeth, these may be the signs of a developing cavity. Take swift action and call our dentist in Naperville, IL, at (630) 296-9186 to treat dental decay today!
Cavities Start Small but Can Get Serious
In the beginning, a cavity is just a tiny hole in your tooth. You might not feel it at all. But what happens if I ignore a cavity for too long? It keeps growing. The longer you wait, the more damage it causes. It can go from a small surface issue to deep decay that reaches the inner part of your tooth.
Toothaches Will Sneak Up on You
If you’re ignoring that cavity, you might soon feel a dull ache. Then it might turn sharp or constant. What happens if I ignore a cavity for too long? You’ll likely deal with tooth pain that won’t quit. Once the decay hits the nerves, it gets intense. Pain like this can keep you up at night and affect your mood and focus.
Infection Can Spread
Here’s where things get serious. What happens if I ignore a cavity for too long? Bacteria can reach the tooth’s pulp and cause an infection. This may lead to an abscess – a painful, swollen pocket of pus. Infections like these don’t just stay in your mouth. In rare cases, they can spread to your jaw, neck, or even your bloodstream.
You May Lose the Tooth
Nobody wants to lose a tooth, especially when it’s preventable. But what happens if I ignore a cavity for too long? Your tooth may be too damaged to save. When decay is severe, even root canals may not work. In that case, Dr. Brown may need to pull the tooth. That can affect your bite, your speech, and your confidence.
You’ll Need More Complex Dental Work
The sooner you catch a cavity, the simpler the solution. But what happens if I ignore a cavity for too long? You’ll likely need more advanced restorative dentistry treatments. These may include root canals, crowns, or even dental implants. These treatments cost more, take longer, and often require multiple visits.
Small Fixes Become Big Bills
Let’s talk money. A small filling isn’t too expensive (around $200 without insurance). But what happens if I ignore a cavity for too long? You could end up paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars for advanced treatment. Early care saves your tooth – and your wallet.
Your Whole Health Can Be Affected
Believe it or not, poor dental health can hurt your overall health. So, what happens if I ignore a cavity for too long? Chronic infections in the mouth can lead to problems like heart disease, diabetes issues, and other systemic conditions.
Don’t Wait – Treat It Early with Thomas F. Brown, DDS
You don’t have to let a small cavity turn into a dental disaster. If you’ve ever wondered, “What happens if I ignore a cavity for too long?” now you know. Catching decay early makes treatment easy, affordable, and far less stressful.
Need to treat a cavity fast? Request a visit with Thomas F. Brown, DDS, here, or call our dentist in Naperville, IL, at (630) 296-9186 for advice and appointments.