How long does it take for a cavity to get bad?

Question

I've got a cavity in my tooth that hurts when I eat anything sweet, and is starting to hurt a bit now when I have really cold things too. I phoned the dentist today and they can't give me an appointment until mid September. How long does it take a cavity to go from what I've described to a proper toothache and a totally rotten tooth that needs extracted?

Answer 1

Not long at all. My son had a checkup 3 weeks ago and had a non-painful cavity that they said was only going to need a filling. Today he went in and they needed to PULL it. It had gone deeper and abcessed underneath. They were surprised and checked his xrays from the 1st visit. He hasn't had sugary drinks or sticky candy.
Call a different dentist and get in asap. Or see if you can get on a waiting list for canceled appointment times. At the very least, your cavity will get bigger/deeper and possibly cost more if you wait.

Answer 2

Hi, I've had the same problem for quite a number of years; generally I have pretty healthy teeth and my last check up was almost 5 years ago and before that 10 years; that's not to say you should do the same, but I don't eat too many sweet things and yes when I do eat something very sweet or very cold the pain just really shoots down or up; I think as long as you're not 'provoking' the pain receptors and want to avoid discomfort, avoid eating excessively sweet and cold things until your appointment. Cavities doesn't need to indicate your health are unhealthy, but you can do things that prevent it from hurting and keeping your gums and teeth clean (try rinsing). Changing toothpaste for sensitive teeth doesn't help. It hasn't for me. If the pain starts becoming more frequent even when you eat nothing that makes it worse and you get headaches, then you should get seen to immediately as this can be a sign of a bigger problem.
Maybe it's time again for me to visit a dentist; I'm in the US and it's bloody expensive here! Good luck and keep smiling!

Answer 3

Your teeth are pretty strong when they reach an adult stage. Children's teeth are much softer and you should get a quicker apt for that. I would ask them to put you on the list in case of a cancellation. However, while you are waiting you might want to gargle in peroxide this will kill a lot of the bacteria in that tooth and slow down the deterioration. you should be fine for 3 months or so. Just keep a check on it and if it does seem to be getting worse then call them and tell them you are in real pain and you need the cavity taken care of and they can usually work you in. Good luck and remember to gargle in peroxide once or twice a day until it gets filled.

Answer 4

EESH SEPTEMBER!! Well I don't know how long exactly.... but my dentist told me that a cavity is pretty far gone by the time it starts to hurt. If i were you I would call my insurance company and find out if they have another dentist I could go to because by september that tooth will be LONG gone and my friend you'll be hurtin bad. And actually will cost alot more and your insurance may cover less of it...
Soooo Good luck to you man

Answer 5

Change your dentist!!!

It takes less than 6 months. Haven't you got a dentist within your local hospital that yo can go to.

We have a dentist school that you can go to in a situation like yours - they're trainees, but who cares, everyone has a first at some point.

Good luck

Answer 6

Depends on lots of things, the anatomy of the cavity, location, your age, your diet, your saliva, the way you sleep (open or closed mouth), how much fluoride you expose the tooth to. Cavities usually grow exponentially.

Answer 7

It doesn't matter. They're your teeth dude-take care of them and that means not waiting 4 months. You get one set and once they're gone you get a set you put in a glass on your nightstand. Find a different dentist and take care of it NOW. It won't get any better.

Answer 8

How long???? its already bad so get it fixed be4 it gets worse and you end up w/ a root canal and crown