If a cavity is not thoroughly cleaned before being filled, what will happen?

Written by Li Cui

Dentistry

Updated on April 08, 2025

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When a patient has severe dental caries and undergoes filling, if the decay is not completely removed before filling, it may lead to reinfection and residual decay, continuing to cause inflammation. Therefore, it is recommended that the decay be completely removed before filling. In such cases, it is generally safe for patients to seek treatment at a formal dental hospital. Official hospitals adhere to strict standards, effectively cleaning the affected area for filling and repair. Therefore, patients need not be overly anxious; this type of procedure is quite common in dentistry. Patients are advised to maintain good oral hygiene in daily life and seek timely medical attention when dental caries occur.

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Written by Li Bao Hua

Dentistry

52sec

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Will tooth decay affect the replacement of teeth?

Cavities can have a certain impact on tooth replacement. Cavities are a chronic progressive destructive disease caused by bacterial infection of the hard tissue of the tooth. If not treated in time, it may further develop, forming pulpitis or even apical periodontitis. Once it reaches the stage of apical periodontitis, it may form a gum abscess, or even swelling. During the process of new teeth eruption, they emerge outward through the position of the old tooth roots by absorbing the roots of the old teeth. If there is severe inflammation in the eruption pathway, it may lead to the destruction of the dental follicle of the new tooth, causing a developmental defect in the enamel of the new tooth. Therefore, it is possible that cavities can affect tooth replacement.

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Written by Fang Xiao

Dentistry

1min 3sec

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What should I do if my tooth hurts the day after getting a cavity filled?

Toothache the day after grinding a cavity-ridden tooth may be due to the cavity being deep and close to the pulp chamber. The pain could be caused by not placing a protective pulp material at the bottom of the cavity during the dental filling. It is recommended to remove the filling material and then place a layer of protective pulp material at the bottom of the cavity, and to observe further. The pain experienced the day after grinding may be due to injury during the grinding process or from exposure to very cold or hot substances, which can stimulate the nerves and cause pain. It could also be due to improper handling during the procedure. If the pain is mild and does not affect eating, it generally is not a serious problem. However, if the pain is severe, it is advisable to visit the dental department of a regular hospital for a re-examination. During treatment, avoid spicy, irritating, and very hard foods, and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits.

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Written by Li Bao Hua

Dentistry

46sec

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How to brush teeth with cavities

Cavities are a disease caused by bacterial infection of the hard tissues of the teeth, belonging to a type of self-destructive and infectious disease, and cavities need to be treated in a timely manner. When brushing teeth with cavities, it is especially important to brush thoroughly. Fluoride toothpaste can be used to clean each surface of the teeth, including the occlusal, buccal, lingual, and the insides of the teeth. Sometimes it is difficult for the bristles to reach the inside of the teeth, in which case an interdental brush or dental floss can be used to clean these areas to prevent the occurrence of cavities inside the teeth. Besides brushing, it is also necessary to fill the teeth promptly, also known as dental filling.

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Written by Li Cui

Dentistry

1min 2sec

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Is tooth sensitivity caused by exposed nerves?

When a patient has dental caries, it can cause some damage to the gum tissue, resulting in the gums being in a state of acute inflammation. At this time, the gums may be particularly sensitive, especially to hot and cold stimuli, but this does not necessarily mean that the nerves in the gums are exposed. It is recommended that patients pay attention to a light diet and avoid overly hot or spicy foods, as well as hard foods that may irritate the sensitive gum tissue, leading to discomfort. Therefore, patients are advised to maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and drink plenty of water. Additionally, it is crucial for patients to develop healthy oral hygiene habits. It is recommended that patients visit the hospital in a timely manner for consultation, and receive specific treatment plans based on the extent of the damage caused by the caries.

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Written by Fang Xiao

Dentistry

1min 13sec

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Do early-stage cavities need to be treated?

Cavities refer to the chronic, progressive destructive disease of the hard tissues of the teeth under the influence of plaque bacteria. For early-stage carious white spots, fluorides, fluoride toothpaste, or topical fluoride application can be used to halt the progression of cavities at that stage and prevent further development. Inactive caries can be effectively prevented and treated by brushing and rinsing. If not taken seriously, the cavity will continue to develop deeper, which can be classified into superficial, moderate, and deep caries. After the occurrence of cavities, patients may experience pain from thermal stimuli and pain from food impaction. When the stimuli are removed, the pain disappears. Cavities need treatment. If left untreated, they can lead to pulpitis, periapical periodontitis, and even result in tooth loss. Thus, early-stage caries should be adequately attended to, with an emphasis on early detection and treatment of cavities.