Can Small Cavities Heal by Themselves?

Q: Can small cavities heal by themselves?

Only at the earliest stage. A white spot lesion, where enamel has lost minerals but the surface is still intact, can remineralize with fluoride and good home care. Once decay breaks through the surface into a hole, it cannot heal on its own and needs a filling.

Q: What does a stage 1 cavity look like?

A chalky white spot on the enamel, usually along the gumline or in the grooves of a back tooth. There is no hole yet, and most people cannot see it on themselves, so it is normally found at a dental cleaning.

Q: How long can a small cavity go untreated?

There is no safe window. Decay moves at different speeds in different mouths, and once it passes from enamel into the dentin underneath it moves faster, turning a simple filling into a crown or a root canal.

If you have a cavity and are reluctant to call your dentist, you may be hoping the cavity will just heal itself. A cavity is tooth decay that causes a hole in the tooth. If cavities are not treated more serious issues can develop. It is important to take care of your oral health and practice good habits at home. Attending your regular cleanings and exams in our office can identify if you have any cavities, and make sure they are addressed promptly.

How Will My Small Cavity Be Treated?

If you have a large cavity, you will most likely need a filling. If the cavity is small and is causing you no pain or discomfort, we may be able to watch the cavity by comparing x-rays to determine if the cavity is active or arrested. Small cavities that are caught early on can be stopped with good oral hygiene. Taking care of your teeth with brushing, flossing, and using fluoride can help strengthen the enamel, and stop a cavity in its tracks.

Treatments for a Cavity

Fillings
Inlays or Onlays
Crowns
Root Canals
Extractions

What Can I Do To Reverse Decay and Prevent Cavities?

Brush and floss at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste.

Increase your fluoride intake to help stop the cavity from further decay. Our office provides fluoride treatments, and fluoride can be found in toothpaste or mouthwashes.

Sealants can be applied to molars to prevent cavities from forming. This is a clear plastic protective coat that can help halt or reverse current decay on a tooth if the cavity is small enough and in the early stages.

Limit eating and drinking foods that have a high sugar content. These types of foods and drinks contribute to tooth decay. If you do consume these foods, make sure to brush right afterwards.

Visit our office twice a year for your regular cleaning and exam.

What Does a Stage 1 Cavity Look Like?

The earliest stage of decay shows up as a chalky white spot on the enamel, usually along the gumline or in the grooves of a back tooth. It is not a hole yet. At that point the enamel has lost minerals but the surface is still intact, which is the only stage where the damage can genuinely be reversed. Most people cannot spot it on themselves, which is why it normally gets caught at a cleaning.

Can a Stage 1 Cavity Be Reversed?

Yes. A white spot lesion can remineralize before it breaks through the enamel. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research(opens in new tab) describes tooth decay as a process that can be stopped or reversed at this stage, with fluoride and saliva rebuilding the mineral that acid stripped out. Once the surface collapses into a hole, that door is closed and the tooth needs a filling.

How Long Can a Small Cavity Go Untreated?

There is no safe window, because decay moves at different speeds in different mouths. What we can say is that once decay passes through the enamel into the dentin underneath, it moves faster, and a cavity that could have been a simple filling becomes a crown or a root canal. If we are watching a small spot on your x-rays, we check it at every visit rather than waiting for it to start hurting.

Our Recommendation

If you think you have a cavity, have it looked at while it is still small enough for the answer to be "we will watch it." At Knox Valley Dental we compare your x-rays visit to visit so we can tell the difference between decay that is active and decay that has stopped, and we will not drill a tooth that does not need it. New patients are welcome and we can usually see you the same week.

Interested in Scheduling an Appointment?

If you have a cavity that needs to be filled, or is causing your issues please do not hesitate to call our office. Leaving a cavity untreated can cause more serious issues if the cavity is not addressed promptly. Our flexible hours and schedule allow you to be seen right away. Your health is our priority and we welcome new patients to our office.

To schedule your dental exam or cleaning contact us, and our staff will be happy to assist you!

Knox Valley Dental is the preferred dental provider in the Knoxville - Farragut area. We offer modern dental care and old fashioned hospitality.

Here at Knox Valley Dental, we believe that our patients are people first, and they deserve our undivided attention. Our practice was built with your comfort in mind, and we go above and beyond to make you feel at home.