It starts as a small twinge—maybe a slight sensitivity to sweets or a dull ache when you bite down. You might ignore it, thinking it’ll go away. But what happens when you ignore a cavity? At Concord Family Dental in Hammond, LA, we’ve seen firsthand the progression of untreated tooth decay, and it’s something we always encourage our patients to take seriously.

What Is a Cavity?

A cavity is a small hole in the tooth caused by tooth decay. Decay begins when plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) breaks down sugars in your food and produces acid. This acid eats away at the tooth’s enamel, eventually creating a cavity. If left untreated, the decay can worsen and lead to more serious dental issues.

The Stages of Tooth Decay

1. Enamel Decay: Early stage with no symptoms.
2. Dentin Decay: Increased sensitivity; the cavity may now be visible.
3. Pulp Involvement: Pain becomes more intense as bacteria reach the nerve.
4. Abscess Formation: Infection develops, often requiring emergency care or extraction.

Risks of Ignoring a Cavity

• Increased Pain: Cavities don’t heal on their own. They only get bigger and more painful.
• Infection Risk: Once decay reaches the pulp, infection can spread to surrounding tissue, requiring root canal therapy or even surgery.
• Tooth Loss: Severe decay may lead to the need for an extraction in Hammond, especially if the tooth is beyond repair.
• Costly Treatments: Filling a small cavity is quick and affordable. Ignoring it can lead to more expensive procedures like crowns, root canals, or implants.

Long-Term Impact on Oral Health

Untreated cavities can also jeopardize adjacent teeth and your bite alignment. This is particularly concerning for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment in Hammond, as shifting teeth can undo months of progress. For patients needing restorative work or a smile makeover, untreated decay undermines the foundation.

How to Know You Have a Cavity

Sometimes cavities are painless in the early stages. Signs to look out for include:

• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets
• Discomfort when chewing
• Visible holes or dark spots on the tooth
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste

Even if you have no symptoms, regular checkups with our Concord Family Dental team can catch decay early. During these visits, X-rays may be taken to assess hidden cavities—especially important for our emergency and family patients in Hammond.

Treatment Options

• Dental Fillings: For early-stage cavities.
• Dental Crowns: If the tooth structure is severely compromised.
• Root Canal Therapy: When the decay reaches the pulp.
• Tooth Extraction: In extreme cases where the tooth cannot be saved.

If an extraction becomes necessary, we can walk you through restorative options such as bridges or dental implants. Your oral health plan should never end at removing a tooth—our goal is full, functional, and beautiful smiles.

Preventing Cavities

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily
• Avoid sugary snacks and drinks
• Schedule routine cleanings every six months

Our commitment as your best family dentist in Baton Rouge and Hammond is to help you avoid preventable problems. We focus on education, prevention, and comprehensive care that keeps your smile strong for life.

Final Thoughts

Ignoring a cavity might save time today, but it could cost you your smile tomorrow. Prompt treatment not only saves your tooth but also protects your overall health and wallet. If you suspect a cavity or haven’t seen a dentist in a while, contact Concord Family Dental in Hammond, LA, today. From emergency care to routine checkups and orthodontic support, we're here to help you maintain a healthy, pain-free smile.