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Is It Too Late for a Tooth Filling?

Is It Too Late for a Tooth Filling?

Most adults will experience a cavity at some point in their lives. The good news is that most of those cases can be effectively treated with a simple tooth filling if they’re caught and addressed in time. For some patients, however, it may be too late for a filling to save the tooth by the time they visit their dentist.

If your tooth becomes sensitive or aches due to a cavity, then you only have a limited amount of time before it becomes too extensive for a filling to address. If so, then you may require root canal therapy or tooth extraction to save your smile.

The Best Time for a Filling

Tooth decay is progressive, and the cavity that it leaves behind grows larger as time goes by. The problem begins when oral bacteria weaken and compromise the protective layer of enamel around your teeth, leaving your more sensitive tooth structure (called dentin) vulnerable to infection.

As oral bacteria infect the tooth, a cavity (or hole) forms, and the best time for a filling is before the cavity consumes a significant amount of your tooth structure.

If It Is Too Late for a Filling

In severe cases, the decay can reach the nerves and blood vessels housed in the tooth’s pulp, a chamber that is surrounded by the tooth’s dentin. Known as internal infection, this can lead to severe discomfort and the risk of decay spreading through the tooth’s root canals and into surrounding tissues.

Root canal therapy may be necessary in cases of internal tooth decay to prevent more extensive oral health complications, including the need for tooth extraction.

If your tooth hurts because of a cavity, then visit your dentist as soon as possible before it’s too late to save it with a tooth filling.

Schedule an Appointment

Our primary goal is to enhance the health and quality of life of every one our patients through customized, comprehensive dental care. Book an appointment Call Sunnyvale Dental Care today at (408) 720-0900. We also proudly serve patients from Santa Clara, Cupertino, Mountain View, San Jose, Campbell, Palo Alto, and all surrounding communities.

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Opening Hours:

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  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 7 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 7 PM
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 7 PM
  • Friday: 9 AM to 7 PM
  • Saturday: 9 am to 2 pm (Appointment only)
  • Sunday: Closed

 

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