Can cavities spread to other teeth?

Written by Li Bao Hua

Dentistry

Updated on September 10, 2024

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Cavities are a disease caused by bacterial infections of the hard tissues of the teeth, and they are infectious but not contagious. If cavities are not treated in a timely manner, the inflammation can further infect the dental nerves, causing nerve inflammation, and even lead to damage in the apical region of the tooth. Damage to the apical region of a tooth may also lead to damage in the apical region of adjacent teeth due to inflammation. This situation can spread to other teeth, but it is limited to the stage of apical inflammation. If it is just a simple cavity, where decay is confined to the crown area of a tooth, it will not spread to other teeth. Therefore, once a tooth decays, it is necessary to carry out dental filling treatment as soon as possible.

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Written by Li Cui

Dentistry

45sec

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Can you ignore a cavity if it doesn't hurt?

When patients develop dental caries, it is recommended that they visit a formal medical institution for treatment. If the tooth decay is not addressed, it may worsen significantly. While it may not always cause pain, the teeth can still be damaged. Over time, the teeth might deteriorate severely, potentially leaving only the roots. This could also lead to damage to the tooth roots, causing inconvenience in the patient's dietary life and might lead to severe complications later on, including pain and irritation to the gum tissue. Therefore, it is advised that patients seek early medical treatment and undergo appropriate therapeutic measures based on the condition of their dental caries.

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Written by Li Bao Hua

Dentistry

53sec

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Can a cavity that exposes the dental pulp be filled?

Cavities that expose the dental pulp cannot be directly filled in one session. Treatment of the tooth must be carried out before filling. In the early stages of a cavity, only the hard tissue of the tooth is damaged. If the decayed part is removed promptly and the dental nerve is not exposed, the tooth can be directly filled in one session. However, if the cavity progresses to the point where the dental pulp, or nerve, is exposed, this requires a nerve removal procedure. After the nerve is killed, the root canal is sealed with medication, and following inflammation control, the root canal is filled. Only after root canal treatment can the tooth be filled. Otherwise, the inflammation may further develop into apical inflammation, or even lead to space infections causing facial swelling.

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Written by Li Bao Hua

Dentistry

55sec

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Can a cavity wait a month?

Cavities should be filled as soon as possible, through a treatment known as filling, and it is best not to delay. If a cavity could have been simply filled within a month, it might further become infected, causing inflammation of the dental nerve and leading to conditions such as pulpitis or apical periodontitis. Direct filling won't be possible; the tooth will need treatment before it can be filled. Cavities are a type of hard tissue decay caused by bacterial infection. If it's an adult's cavity, the progression is relatively slow and may only advance partially within a month, not reaching the dental nerve. However, in children, cavity progression is very rapid; if not promptly treated, severe dental nerve pain could occur within a month, necessitating further dental treatments.

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Written by Li Bao Hua

Dentistry

48sec

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Can a decayed tooth be extracted?

Whether a tooth with caries can be extracted depends on the extent of the decay. If the decay is shallow, it can be treated with a one-time filling. If the decay is deep, reaching the nerve, nerve-killing treatment is required, followed by anti-inflammation measures and, after inflammation control, root canal filling. In other words, teeth should be preserved through root canal treatment whenever possible and not extracted. If the caries has reached the deep layers of the tooth dentin, or is at risk of causing a perforation, such conditions are considered non-salvageable and the tooth should be promptly extracted. After extraction, timely dental prosthetics should be placed.

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Written by Li Cui

Dentistry

1min 1sec

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Does removing a cavity-affected tooth have any impact?

Cavities, also commonly referred to as tooth decay, can impact daily life depending on the situation. Generally, if the cavity is not severe, extraction is not necessary, and treatment should be attempted if possible. However, extraction can be harmful, as it creates a gap. The teeth adjacent to this gap can be affected, leading to tilting towards the gap or becoming loose, which may impact how the teeth come together when biting. The body has a protective mechanism that can automatically close this space, but although this closes the gap, it may destabilize the overall bite alignment and function, potentially affecting the temporomandibular joint function. Therefore, if tooth decay occurs, it is advised to seek prompt treatment at a formal dental hospital or a major hospital’s dental pulp department, where the decayed and necrotic tissue can be removed and the cavity filled to restore the shape of the tooth crown and some of the biting function.