When you discover you have a cavity, it’s important to seek immediate treatment. A cavity is a small hole in your tooth which is an early indication of decay. The plaque that’s affixed to your teeth contains damaging bacteria, which produces acid that deteriorates your teeth and results in cavities if the plaque isn’t extracted. If left untreated, the cavity can increase in size, resulting in permanent tooth damage.
The following are the three parts of a tooth:
- Enamel – Considered the first line of defense, it’s the strong and protective layer of the tooth
- Dentin – The middle layer
- Pulp – The inner layer which contains the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels
If left untreated, the bacteria in the cavity will penetrate the enamel, enter the dentin layer, and eventually the pulp. Once the bacteria reaches the pulp, it can result in a condition known as pulpitis, which can lead to a root canal or tooth extraction if a filling isn’t used.
According to data collected by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), 26% of adults ages 20 to 64 have untreated decay. Due to the frequent development of cavities in our lifetime, some believe they can get away with saving themselves money by leaving them untreated. However, once the harmful bacteria creates a cavity, it will continually grow unless it’s repaired with a filling.
Let our Austell dentist help you get on the right track toward better health. Our high-quality dental services are only a phone call away at (770) 467-3888.
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