How a cavity progresses, and how each stage is treated
Found early and treated early, more of your healthy tooth is kept.
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Early cavity
A very small cavity
What you may notice
- Only in the enamel
- May have no symptoms
- Usually painless
Treatment
Simple filling
-
Moderate cavity
Into the dentin
What you may notice
- The cavity is larger and has reached the dentin
- May be sensitive to hot and cold
- Food gets stuck easily
Treatment
Larger filling (composite or inlay)
-
Severe cavity
Close to the pulp
What you may notice
- The cavity is deep and near the nerve
- May cause a noticeable ache
- We evaluate whether a root canal is needed
- A crown may be needed to protect the tooth
Treatment
Root canal and crown
-
Pulp inflammation or infection
Pain or swelling
What you may notice
- The cavity has reached the pulp
- Pain can start on its own, or when biting
- Sensitive to hot and cold
- Gums may swell or form an abscess
Treatment
Root canal and crown
-
Cannot be saved
Severe damage
What you may notice
- Decay is extensive and most of the tooth structure is gone
- May cause repeated infection and severe pain
- Cannot be repaired with a filling or root canal
Treatment
Extraction, then an implant, fixed bridge, or removable denture
The stages of gum disease
Gum disease is measured by how deep the pocket between tooth and gum has become, and by how much supporting bone has been lost.
-
Healthy
Healthy gums and bone
Pocket depth 1–3 mm
What you may notice
- Gums are pink and firm
- Almost no bleeding
- Normal bone height
-
Mild periodontitis
Early bone loss
Pocket depth 3–4 mm
What you may notice
- Gums are redder and may bleed when brushing
- Tartar is present
- Bone loss has begun
-
Moderate periodontitis
Noticeable bone loss
Pocket depth 5–6 mm
What you may notice
- Gums are red, swollen, and bleed easily
- Obvious tartar, including below the gumline
- Noticeable bone loss
- Gums may recede
-
Severe periodontitis
Severe bone loss
Pocket depth ≥ 7 mm
What you may notice
- Gums are severely red and swollen, and bleed easily
- Heavy tartar below the gumline
- Severe bone loss and visible gum recession
- Teeth may loosen or even fall out
Noticed one of these signs?
Call us and we will take a look. Dr. Chang explains what he sees and what it costs before any treatment begins.