Why do I need a cavity filled if nothing hurts?

When bacteria get into a tooth, it leads to a cavity. It looks like the dark area above that is reaching from enamel towards the pulp.

While this is happening, there are sometimes moments of pain, sensitivity. It could happen when we’re eating certain foods that are cold, hot, sweet, sour, or just from biting pressure. It can come and go, almost spontaneous.

What would happen if we let this bacteria grow?

1. 1. The bacteria makes its way to the pulp and damages the pulp of the tooth leading to severe pain and infection. The treatment at this point is either to remove the tooth entirely, or treat the damaged nerve inside the tooth.
2. 2. The bacteria will start to eat away at the tooth, weakening the tooth as it goes. This means that when it is eventually taken care of, there will be less tooth remaining. That means a weaker tooth that could now break from a fracture.

Not every cavity needs treatment.

It is only when the cavity has reached past a certain threshold that we can see, feel, or detect on an xray, where the tooth’s enamel would no longer be able to protect against the bacteria. At this point a filling is needed to avoid further tooth damage.

For more information please check out our other blogs to learn more about dentistry!

Dr. Pham

Arbo Dental Care Bradford