Experiencing tooth pain can be worrying, especially if you suspect it may be caused by a cavity. A cavity is a hole in the tooth’s surface caused by decay. If left untreated, cavities can lead to more serious dental issues. So is it too late if a cavity is already causing pain? Here’s what you need to know.
What causes a cavity to become painful?
A cavity itself does not cause pain initially. That’s because a cavity forms in the tooth’s outer layers – the enamel and cementum. These materials do not contain nerves, so decay in these layers does not stimulate nerve pain.
However, as a cavity grows larger over time, it can reach the inner layer of the tooth – the dentin. The dentin contains thousands of microscopic tubules leading to the tooth’s nerve. When decay reaches these tubules, fluid movement and bacterial toxins can stimulate the nerve and cause pain.
So in summary:
- A small, enamel-only cavity will not cause pain
- A larger cavity reaching the dentin is more likely to cause pain
The speed at which a cavity progresses depends on many factors:
- Your oral hygiene habits
- The presence of acids in your mouth from food and drink
- The structure and mineral content of your teeth
- Your age
With poor hygiene and frequent acid attacks, a cavity can reach the inner dentin quite quickly. In some cases, this can occur in a matter of months. For others, it may take years for a cavity to become symptomatic.
Is a painful cavity always advanced decay?
Not necessarily. A small, shallow cavity in a particular area may trigger pain, while a larger, deeper cavity elsewhere may go unnoticed.
Areas where cavities are more prone to cause pain include:
- The chewing surfaces of back teeth – These see the most force during eating.
- The neck of a tooth – The area near the gumline is very sensitive.
- Teeth with thinner enamel – The enamel may be worn down or naturally thin.
Meanwhile, cavities between teeth or under fillings may grow quite large before detection. Those areas are difficult to keep clean and are not exposed to chewing forces.
So while a painful cavity often indicates decay has reached the inner layer of the tooth, it does not necessarily mean the hole is extremely deep or advanced. Even a relatively small lesion in a sensitive area can cause discomfort.
Can I wait to treat a painful cavity?
It is not recommended to delay treatment of a painful cavity. The longer decay remains, the more damage it can cause. Reasons to schedule an urgent dental visit include:
- Preventing pulp infection – If decay reaches the tooth’s pulp (nerves and blood vessels), the result is often pulpitis. This painful infection requires a root canal or extraction.
- Halting further decay – Cavities become larger over time. Treating early can minimize the eventual repair size.
- Avoiding tooth fractures – Extensive decay weakens the tooth structure and makes fractures more likely.
Leaving a symptomatic cavity untreated also leaves you susceptible to acute dental infections, which can have serious health consequences.
In summary, while a painful cavity does not necessarily mean you have an emergency on your hands, it should not be ignored. In fact, the ideal time to treat decay is before it becomes painful in the first place.
What are the treatment options for a painful cavity?
The good news is, it is not “too late” to treat a cavity just because it already hurts. However, your dentist will need to assess how deep and extensive the decay is to determine the proper treatment path. Options may include:
1. Fluoride and Medicated Fillings
If the decay is minimal, applying fluoride varnish or a medicated filling to the area may calm symptoms and remineralize the tooth. This arrests early-stage decay before a traditional filling is required.
2. Traditional Dental Fillings
For moderate decay, your dentist will remove the diseased material and place a filling to restore the tooth. Composite resin and amalgam fillings are common options.
| Filling Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite (tooth colored) | Hardened resin material matched to the tooth shade |
|
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| Amalgam (silver colored) | Metal alloy of mercury, silver, copper, tin, and zinc |
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3. Root Canal
If the pulp tissue has become infected due to extensive decay, a root canal will be necessary. This involves removing the inflamed pulp, disinfecting the inner canals, and sealing the space. A filling or crown is placed afterward to protect the tooth.
4. Tooth Extraction
In cases of untreatable infection or severely damaged tooth structure, extraction may be the only feasible option. Your dentist may recommend replacing the extracted tooth with a dental implant, bridge, or removable partial denture.
How can I prevent painful cavities in the future?
While it may not be “too late” to treat a hurting cavity, prevention is always the best approach for long-term dental health. Ways to help prevent painful cavities going forward include:
- Brush twice daily – Use a fluoride toothpaste and proper technique to remove plaque thoroughly.
- Floss once daily – Flossing reaches decay-causing bacteria between teeth.
- See your dentist twice yearly – Your dentist can detect and treat early cavities before they become painful.
- Use antibacterial rinses – Rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash helps kill decay-causing bacteria.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks – Frequent sugar exposures feed the bacteria that cause cavities.
- Drink fluoridated water – Fluoride makes the tooth enamel more resistant to acid attacks.
Catching decay early and maintaining diligent oral hygiene can help you avoid the painful consequences of advanced cavities down the road.
Conclusion
Experiencing tooth pain from a cavity can be worrying, but it does not automatically mean the tooth decay is untreatable. Even cavities that have reached inner layers of the tooth can often be restored with fillings or crowns.
However, it is best not to delay treatment, as this allows the cavity to expand and may risk serious pulp infections. Work with your dentist to quickly alleviate any symptoms and repair the tooth damage before it progresses further. Then, emphasize preventive strategies such as oral hygiene, dental visits, and limiting sugary foods and drinks to avoid painful cavities in the future. With prompt treatment and proper prevention, your dental health can be restored and maintained for the long term.
