What to Do If You Have a Cavity

If you notice a cavity—a small hole or pit in one of your teeth—it’s a sign of dental caries, a progressive bacterial infection that demineralizes tooth enamel and dentin. Left untreated, the decay can advance into the pulp, leading to pain, infection, or even tooth loss.

The appropriate treatment depends on the size and depth of the cavity. Early-stage lesions confined to enamel may be managed with remineralization strategies—such as prescription-strength fluoride varnish or calcium phosphate therapies—especially if no cavitation is yet present. However, once a true cavity has formed (i.e., an actual structural defect), restorative intervention is necessary.

For small to moderate cavities, a dental filling is the standard approach. The dentist removes decayed tissue, cleans the cavity site, and restores the tooth with a biocompatible material—commonly composite resin (tooth-colored) or amalgam (silver alloy). Larger defects may require more extensive restorations, such as inlays, onlays, or full-coverage crowns, particularly when structural integrity is compromised.

In cases where decay has reached the dental pulp, root canal treatment becomes essential to remove infected or inflamed pulp tissue, disinfect the root canal system, and seal it to prevent reinfection. If the tooth is non-restorable due to extensive destruction or severe periodontal involvement, extraction may be indicated—followed by discussion of replacement options like implants, bridges, or removable prostheses.

Prevention remains paramount: consistent oral hygiene (twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, daily interdental cleaning), dietary modification (limiting fermentable carbohydrates), and routine dental examinations every six months enable early detection and minimally invasive management.