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How do you know if you have a cavity before a dentist appointment?
If you see a dark spot on any of your teeth (brown or black) you could have a cavity. You should especially watch for spots that grow in size. In some cases, the spots may even be a light, off-white color. If you see any discoloration on your teeth, always get it looked at by your dentist.
How long can you have a cavity before going to the dentist?
As a broad timeline, on average, it can take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity needs treatment. The conditions of your mouth change daily.
What cavity pain feels like?
As the decay gets larger, it may cause signs and symptoms such as: Toothache, spontaneous pain or pain that occurs without any apparent cause. Tooth sensitivity. Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold.
How can you tell if you have a cavity?
If you see a brown spot then most likely you have at least a small cavity. And finally, infrequently a patient goes to their old dentist “that they had since they were 4 years old” or another dentist and he or she says that “that you do not have a cavity”. That dentist may be inaccurate.
Can a Dentist say you don’t have a cavity?
And finally, infrequently a patient goes to their old dentist “that they had since they were 4 years old” or another dentist and he or she says that “that you do not have a cavity”. That dentist may be inaccurate. It’s sort of reinforcing to have them say you are “fine” if you “want” to be cavity-free.
What happens to your teeth when you have a cavity?
Once the cavity penetrates into dentin, the decay spreads laterally and the benefits of fluoride and saliva become less effective – things can’t reach these areas as readily and the cavity is considered irreversible . Most patients, when told they have cavities, typically say, “but I don’t feel anything”.
Can a cavity be deceptive?
The answer is not always. Unfortunately, a cavity can be deceptive. It can hide and be obscured by old fillings, location, or just not be obvious by eye or X-ray. Many times I see a small cavity in a tooth that I think will be small and find after drilling that it is much, much bigger than originally thought.