How long does it take for a tooth to fully decay?

Every Cavity Is Different. The time it takes for a cavity to form varies. 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.

How long does it take for tooth decay to worsen?

It can take as long as five years from the time a cavity begins to develop to when the tooth needs treatment to prevent the cavity from spreading further. For some people, though, that period can be as short as a few months. No two mouths are unique, so there is no standard timeline for the development of cavities.

Can a tooth decay completely?

Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well.

How long can a decayed tooth last?

How long does it take for a tooth to die? Once a tooth is damaged or decaying, it's only a matter of time before it dies. Depending on how heavy the damage, the tooth could die within a matter of days or even a couple of months.

Can I live with a decayed tooth?

Although not an immediate consequence, dentists strongly advise that letting rotten teeth go unattended can lead to blood poisoning. This happens because the rot from the teeth keeps getting deposited into the mouth, and in most cases, it's swallowed along with saliva.

Stages of Tooth Decay: Introduction

When is it too late to fill a cavity?

Those that are too deep or too large may require a more intensive treatment. Once bacteria have entered your tooth, it may be too late for a filling because we will need to prevent or treat an existing infection. However, it's never too late for dental care!

What happens if you don't remove a decayed tooth?

Tooth Decay

If your blood vessels or nerves become infected, you could be at risk for an abscess—a pocket of pus that can cause a whole range of symptoms, such as: Aches that radiate throughout your jawbone, ear, or neck. Sensitivity and pain when in contact with hot or cold temperatures. Facial swelling.

What does a rotten tooth look like?

grey, brown or black spots appearing on your teeth. bad breath. an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

What happens if you don't fix decayed teeth?

Abscess and Infection

The infection can lead to more serious, life-threatening infections. This is especially so if you have other underlying conditions. It can also result in gum disease. Tooth decay and gum disease can lead to heart and brain infections if progressed far enough.

What stage of tooth decay is painful?

3rd Stage: Decay of the Dentin

Because the nerve is exposed to outside stimuli once the decay has reached the dentin layer, you will experience pain and hypersensitivity. At this stage, the loss of minerals in your dental enamel causes it to collapse and form a cavity.

How do I know if my tooth decay is too late?

How do you know what stage your cavity is?

Can you smell tooth decay?

A decaying tooth results in a foul smell. If you develop bad breath or notice an odd odor coming from your mouth, you might have one or several rotten teeth. Halitosis is one of the most common indications of decayed teeth. Visit us as soon as possible for an analysis, cleaning, filling or other dental restoration.

Can a rotten tooth heal itself?

Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva, and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources. But if the tooth decay process continues, more minerals are lost. Over time, the enamel is weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity. A cavity is permanent damage that a dentist has to repair with a filling.

What causes rapid tooth decay?

Soda, sugary food, and drinks are harmful to your teeth and sometimes more harmful than battery acid. Other causes of fast tooth decay can stem from other sources like acid reflux, stomach problems, or eating disorders such as bulimia.

Do decayed teeth need to be pulled?

Tooth Decay

However, when a cavity is left untreated, it will get larger. Larger cavities don't cause pain until the decay reaches the nerves. While not all large cavities require having a tooth pulled, it's possible you need a tooth extraction if the tooth cannot be repaired.

When should you pull a decayed tooth?

If your tooth has been badly damaged past the point of repair, then removal may be necessary. Your dentist may recommend tooth extraction if you have: Severe tooth decay (cavities). A fractured tooth.

When does a tooth need to be pulled?

You may need to have a tooth extracted if: Periodontal disease has badly infected the tooth. The tooth is badly damaged and cannot be restored by a filling or a crown. You are suffering from pain even after a filling, crown, or treatment for a root canal.

How long does it take a cavity to reach the nerve?

A person who can't brush or floss, who accumulates acid-producing bacteria around the teeth, who does not use fluoride or oral calcium products, and who has stomach acid in the mouth from GERD or bulimia can grow cavities that invade the dental nerve in as little as three or six months.

How long can I avoid the dentist?

Usually, the recommended maximum amount of time between dental appointments is six months. However, your dentist in Fairfax may recommend that certain people visit more often, including those who are at higher risk of developing dental problems such as: Pregnant women.

Does brushing your teeth help tooth pain?

You should not neglect brushing the affected tooth, as this will accelerate the rate that bacteria builds up in and around the cavity. This build up of bacteria may make the swelling, and hence the pain, even worse. Brushing your teeth will not, however, make the toothache go away (sadly).

What does cavity breath smell like?

Breath that smells rotten or fetid (like garbage or death)

The odors from old food and bacterial growth may smell like decay. Likewise, poor dental health can lead to: cavities. ulcers.

What does tooth infection taste like?

When the pus drains from your mouth is causes a bad taste (salty, metallic, or sour) and a foul odor in your mouth. The pain from a dental abscess shows itself in different forms. Temperature sensitivity is common, meaning cold and hot things that touch your tooth will hurt.

Do cavities smell like rotten eggs?

They can smell like rotten eggs or onion, for example. If bad breath isn't cleared up by brushing your teeth or using mouthwash, it may be a sign of another issue. Over time, bacteria can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Decay and gum disease do not smell good.

What is a Stage 5 cavity?

Stage Five: Abscess Formation

In the fifth and final stage of a cavity, the infection has reached the tip of the root and exited the tip of the tooth's structure. This in turn infects the surrounding tissues and possibly the bone structure. Swelling would be commonplace and pain severe.