Do occasional toothaches from cavities need treatment?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on April 12, 2025
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When a patient has a cavity, they may only occasionally experience pain. In such cases, it is generally recommended that the patient visits a hospital for consultation. Even a minor cavity has its preventative measures to stop it from worsening and leading to severe consequences; therefore, treatment is still necessary. Many severe cavities develop from minor ones. They can slowly cause defects in the teeth, damage to the tooth root, or stimulate the nerves in the gums, potentially leading to loose or falling teeth. Thus, it is advisable for patients to adopt the correct treatment methods. Additionally, if patients experience pain, they can undergo anti-inflammatory and pain relief treatments to alleviate discomfort and avoid inconvenience in their dietary life.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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Permanent tooth decay

Permanent tooth decay refers to the decay occurring in newly erupted teeth. The most common case is the first permanent molar, also known as the six-year molar, which emerges quietly in the mouth at the age of six. Once this tooth emerges, it cannot be replaced for life. If this tooth decays, it is necessary to fill the tooth as soon as possible; otherwise, if the decay reaches the dental nerve, it could lead to pulpitis. Alternatively, for newly erupted teeth, sealants should be applied to the pits and fissures of the teeth to slow down the pace of decay. Permanent tooth decay requires us to intervene with treatment as early as possible; otherwise, it may cause pain or even tooth loss.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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If a cavity is not thoroughly cleaned before being filled, what will happen?

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 Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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Does a cavity mean tooth decay?

The common term for dental caries is tooth decay. In the past, many people believed that tooth decay was caused by a kind of "tooth worm" that eroded the teeth, leading to tooth damage. In fact, it's the presence of a large amount of dental plaque and tartar on the teeth, and the erosion caused by numerous bacteria on these surfaces, which is what we now refer to as the phenomenon of caries, causing the teeth to turn black. Severe erosion can affect the enamel and dentin, and if it breaks through to the dental pulp, severe pulpitis can occur. When suffering from dental caries, it is essential to seek early treatment to remove the necrotic enamel and further prevent its progression.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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What to do if you have tooth decay and swollen, painful gums?

When patients experience dental caries and swollen, painful gums, it is advised that they seek medical attention promptly. They may take some anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications to relieve inflammation and pain. After the inflammation has completely subsided, treatment should be based on the extent of damage to the dental caries. If the damage to the dental caries is minor, conservative treatment may be sufficient. However, if the damage is severe, it may affect part of the tooth structure or even the entire tooth and root, possibly leading to cavitation. In such cases, it is recommended that patients consider tooth extraction or filling as remedial measures. Additionally, patients must pay attention to oral hygiene and develop correct tooth brushing habits. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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Is it normal to have pain after filling a cavity?

Mild pain after filling a cavity is normal. This is often seen when glass ionomer materials are used for fillings. Glass ionomer materials expand in volume within 24 hours of mixing, which can stimulate the dental nerves and cause pain. However, the pain should gradually decrease or disappear after 24 hours. If there is severe pain after the filling, it may be due to the filling material being too high or the tooth decay being too deep, reaching the dental nerves and causing nerve pain. This situation is abnormal and requires root canal treatment.