What happens if a cavity is too deep?

If your tooth decays to the enamel or dentin, a filling will be enough to repair it. However, if you do not treat the cavity with a filling, the decay will likely make its way to the nerve tissue, the deepest layer of the tooth. When this happens, you will need a root canal to repair your cavity.

Can a cavity be too big to fill?

However, if the cavity is too big for a filling, our dentists will recommend a porcelain crown to strengthen the tooth. Once a cavity reaches a certain size, our dentists won’t be able to drill out the decayed tooth matter without compromising the structural integrity of your tooth.

How does a dentist fill a deep cavity?

They come in a paste form, which the dentist inserts int o the dental cavity. The paste molds into the exact shape of the cavity. The dentist places composites in layers to fill the cavity completely. Putting them in layers allows the dentist to shape the to fit nicely in the teeth to prevent a change in your bite.

How do you get rid of a deep cavity?

Fillings: Fillings are the main treatment when a cavity has progressed beyond the enamel. Crowns: A crowns is a custom-fitted covering or “cap” that is placed over the tooth to treat extensive decay. Root canals: When tooth decay reaches the inner material of your tooth (pulp), a root canal may be necessary.

How do you know if a cavity has reached the pulp?

Signs You Have Cavities (Tooth Decay Symptoms) In the case of a deeper cavity that has reached the pulp or nerve canals, you may notice a bad taste in your mouth. Severe spontaneous pain, pain to pressure, pain that wakes you up at night and pain to hot are often signs of an infected nerve.

How do I know if my cavity is deep?

A person having a deep cavity may feel a toothache or pain while eating, drinking, or biting down, a strong sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet food/drinks, bad taste or bad breath in the mouth, or can even feel a hole or crack in the tooth with the help of tongue.

How long do deep cavities take to heal?

While the majority of cavity fillings stop being sensitive after a day or two, some could take as much as two weeks to feel better. Even then, it may not be a cause for concern. If a cavity was deep or in a location used for heavy chewing, it might take longer to heal.

Can cavities spread to other teeth?

Cavities can’t spread to other teeth, but they certainly have an impact on the rest of your mouth. First of all, the conditions that create a cavity on one tooth certainly can develop into cavities on your other teeth.