A cavity (or cavities) can be compared to infection. It consists of harmful bacteria and uses sugar in combination with an acidic environment to attack hard tissues (enamel and dentine) of the teeth. Over time, this creates a small hole in the teeth that will continue to grow if it is not filled with filler.
If the cavity is left untreated, it can damage a large part of the teeth, making it difficult to repair with conventional fillers. If many teeth disappear, only the crown can repair it.
If decaying bacteria reach the medullary cavity where nerves and blood vessels are located, the pulp can become irritated and infected. This may eventually lead to abscesses, which can be very painful. When the pulp is infected, only the root can fix the teeth, so the crown may be needed as a final restoration.
In some cases, the teeth are destroyed so that they cannot be restored and even the root canal and crown cannot be repaired. In that case, you may need to pull out your teeth.
Root canals and crowns are expensive treatments. Replacing lost teeth may even be more expensive. This is why it is recommended to have a dental exam every six months. The holes discovered early can be treated and the damage to your teeth and your wallet will be even smaller!
