When Is It Too Late to Get A Cavity Filled?

Getting a cavity filled is more than a cosmetic procedure. When a cavity is untreated, it can grow, and symptoms may worsen. You may need a root canal treatment to save the tooth or an extraction when the damage is too severe.

But how can you know when it’s too late to treat a cavity? Unfortunately, it can be difficult for patients to assess on their own. Regularly visiting your dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning can help determine when is too late to have a cavity filled. 

What Is a Cavity?

A cavity is a hole formed on a tooth’s surface and is one of the stages of tooth decay. Cavities are caused when sugar and bacteria mix in our mouths to create a mild acid. Over time, the acid deteriorates the tooth. 

Cavities can develop at any age but are more common in children. Adults typically develop 2 types, cavities around the root (base of the tooth) or recurrent cavities (around a filling). 

Dental hygiene can help reduce plaque (a sticky, yellow deposit containing bacteria) and prevent cavities. Additionally, visiting your dentist for routine cleaning helps remove dental tartar (hardened plaque), a substance resistant to at-home brushing and flossing.

Cavity symptoms can include:

• Black or white staining
• Discomfort, sensitivity, or toothaches
• A visible hole

When Is It Too Late?

There are 5 stages of tooth decay:

• Stage 1: Demineralization—bacteria from plague buildup erode the minerals in tooth enamel, the outermost tooth layer protecting teeth from physical and chemical damage.
• Stage 2: Enamel Decay—a cavity or hole forms in the enamel, weakening the tooth’s protective layer.
• Stage 3: Dentin Decay—tooth deterioration reaches the dentin (middle layer), causing increased tooth sensitivity.
• Stage 4:  Pulp Damage—bacteria and acids damage the jelly-like pulp (innermost layer), including the nerves and blood cells inside. It can cause swelling, discomfort, and permanent damage.
• Stage 5: Abscess Formation—a bacterial infection (abscess) forms, causing multiple uncomfortable symptoms. When untreated, the infection can lead to complications, including sepsis.

Usually, it’s possible to get a cavity filled up to and including the third stage. However, it depends on the severity of the damage. When the pulp is damaged, or infection begins, a root canal treatment may help save the tooth and remove infected tissue. However, in some cases, the damage may be too severe, and tooth extraction may be necessary.

Patients may not know the stage of decay by how the tooth looks or feels. It’s up to the professional judgment of your dentist to determine if treatment can save the tooth. 

Another way patients can tell if it’s too late for a filling is the size and appearance of the cavity. Larger cavities mean more of the tooth is damaged. Therefore, you may benefit from a crown rather than a filling. A noticeably discoloured or stained tooth can also signify more extensive decay.

Fillings & Fixes

Dental fillings are an option for saving a tooth after experiencing tooth decay. First, your dentist removes damaged tissue surrounding the cavity while trying to save as much of the tooth as possible. Then, the filling material seals the hole.

There are 2 types of fillings:

• Tooth-coloured fillings can blend in with your natural teeth. Composite or porcelain materials are the most common.
• Metal or amalgam fillings are made of gold or silver (combined with other metals). Metal fillings are durable but can be easy to spot in your smile.

A filling can restore a tooth’s function and help prevent tooth decay from spreading. Fillings can also relieve tooth decay symptoms, including discomfort or sensitivity.

Unfortunately, when a cavity grows too large, or other dental problems arise, a filling may not be an appropriate fix.

Your teeth are crucial for chewing and speaking. Therefore, teeth need to be strong enough to support these functions. When tooth decay affects the integrity of your tooth, it may be necessary to strengthen the tooth with a crown or replace it with an artificial tooth.

Dental implants, dentures, or bridges can replace a missing tooth to restore the appearance of your smile.

Visit for Your Routine Checkup

Preventing cavities and receiving treatment as soon as possible is the best way to ensure it’s not too late for a filling. Visit South Ancaster Family Dental for your routine checkup and cleaning. Your comfort and dental health is our top priority. 

Contact us today for an appointment!