If you don't treat a cavity, the decay will penetrate your enamel and then keep going deeper to the root of your tooth. Not treating a cavity can result in tooth damage, infection, and even tooth loss. You should see a dentist every six months and get a cavity filled as soon as it is discovered.16 Feb 2021
What happens if you wait too long to get a cavity filled?
Delayed treatment can also lead to the decay reaching the nerve of your tooth. At this point, our dentists may recommend root canal therapy and the placement of a dental crown to protect the vulnerable tooth. Tooth extraction could also happen if the decay is severe enough.18 Oct 2021
How long can a cavity go without being filled?
It can, on average, take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity requires treatment. The length of time it takes will vary on a case-by-case basis because the conditions of your mouth differ daily.
What happens if you don't get a filling when you need one?
What happens if you don't get a filling? When decay damages a tooth, the destruction to the enamel is irreversible. If the cavity is left untreated, the decay can spread and worsen, destroying healthy parts of the tooth.10 Sept 2019
How long can you go without getting a filling replaced?
On average, you can expect a metal filling to last for about 15 years before needing to be replaced, but the length of time can vary based on several factors, such as if you grind or clench your teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are made from a mixture of fine glass and plastic particles.11 Sept 2019
What happens if you don't get a filling replaced?
If a filling isn't replaced within a few days, it could cause damage to the unprotected tooth. Bacteria and food particles can stick into the empty space, causing decay. Also, the missing filling can expose dentin, the second layer of tooth under the hard outer enamel.26 Mar 2020