Do Cavities Stop Growing?

Why do cavities get bigger over time? In this video, Dr. John Ku of W Plus Dental in Washington, DC, uses a patient’s dental X-rays to show how quickly an untreated cavity can progress.

When the cavity was first detected, it was small and could have been treated with a simple dental filling. However, the patient decided not to treat it. Because the bacteria causing the decay were still present, the cavity continued to spread and destroy the healthy tooth structure.

The X-rays shown in this video were taken only 10 months apart. During that short period, the cavity progressed from a relatively simple problem to severe tooth decay. By the time the patient returned, there was no longer enough healthy tooth structure remaining to restore the tooth with a filling or dental crown. The tooth required removal and replacement with a more involved treatment, such as a dental implant.

Do Cavities Stop Growing?

‍No. Cavities do not heal or go away on their own. A cavity is caused by bacteria and acids that weaken and destroy the tooth structure. Without treatment, the decay can continue spreading through the enamel and dentin and eventually reach the nerve inside the tooth.

As a cavity becomes larger, treatment may progress from:

• A small dental filling

• A larger filling or dental crown

• Root canal treatment and a crown

• Tooth extraction and dental implant replacement

The exact treatment depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains and how deeply the decay has spread.

Why Early Cavity Treatment Matters:

‍Treating a cavity early is usually easier, faster, and less invasive. Waiting until the tooth starts hurting can allow the decay to become much more serious. In some cases, a tooth may have significant damage before the patient experiences noticeable pain.

Regular dental examinations and X-rays help dentists identify cavities before they cause major damage. If your dentist recommends treating a cavity, delaying care could increase the risk of needing more extensive and costly treatment later.

Cavity Treatment in Washington, DC

At W Plus Dental, Dr. John Ku and our dental team provide comprehensive examinations, dental X-rays, tooth-colored fillings, dental crowns, emergency dentistry, tooth extractions, and dental implants in Washington, DC.

Have you been told that you have a cavity? Contact W Plus Dental in Washington, DC, to schedule your dental examination and cavity treatment today.