THE PRICE OF DELAY: DENTAL CAVITIES
I sighed. “These are the same cavities teeth that we recorded in your notes three years ago, except that three of them now need Root canal treatment and one has progressed beyond that. We are looking at an extraction for that one I’m afraid!
Like I told you three years ago, teeth do not stop decaying until they are treated. And once the decay reaches the pulp; you can’t save the tooth unless we carry out Root canal treatment.
As for the fourth tooth; it has broken down the middle and the X-ray shows there is bone loss all around the roots. Can’t be saved at all.”
She grimaced.” Doc, I don’t want an extraction. I have been brushing extra carefully since I saw you three years ago. I also stopped chocolate and toffees! Do you know, I don’t take coke anymore? I have been so busy … I had a baby two years ago and I have been breastfeeding… and work has been hectic….:”
Her voice trailed off; her face thoughtful.
Then she sat up.” Can we call my husband and you explain all this to him?”
” Great! Let’s get this show on the road” I replied cheerfully.
The lesson my patient learned then was that her teeth did not stop decaying simply because we had discovered they had cavities.
Teeth will not stop decaying once they begin.
Rarely; teeth will remineralize in minor cavities when certain conditions prevail.
For the vast majority of cases teeth that need fillings must have them or else they will continue to decay and be totally destroyed. A tooth that would have had a permanent filling and continued to serve for many years; will progress to pulpitis, needing a root canal treatment often within months of left untreated. Even if the cavity does not reach the pulp; the destruction of the dentine means a crown may be necessary after filling is done.
Don’t delay; get your fillings done when they are discovered.
“Your mouth reflects your body.”
