“How long does it take for a cavity to destroy a tooth?”
I am a 32 year old male. I want to know how long does it take for a cavity to destroy a tooth?
5 Answers
Anywhere between 2 months to one year depending on oral hygiene and Size and quality of the enamel and dentin of the tooth.
If decay is very dark or black, it is usually slow moving. If it is light colored, then it is likely aggressive/fast moving. The reason for frequent exams is to find decay before the patient can see or feel it. The smaller a cavity is, the less likely the pulp (nerve) will be damaged = no root canal. If you think or know you have a cavity, schedule an exam with your dentist soon. If you are looking for a dentist, ask your friends or your physician. My opinion is that the larger the clinic is, the more likely they are to over diagnose. I recommend getting your mouth free of infection and decay as phase 1. Use a payment plan if needed. Then, keep up with your regular re-care appointments. Get as much information from the hygienist as you can and they should be able to get you in a decay-free state. Yes, you will have some home work. You can do it!
There are innumerable variables to consider how long it takes for decay to destroy a tooth. Part of that is dependent on how you define "destroy." Carries or cavities progress at different rates depending on how hard the tooth structure, how aggressive the decay, and the amount of sugar they are given. Usually, cavities do not progress very rapidly if one keeps their mouth clean, but they can progress very fast. The amount of destruction necessary to "destroy a tooth" will also vary by how large the tooth is and how large the destruction.
It can vary depending upon a variety of factors. Under normal circumstances, a patient with a normal immune system, adequate hygiene, and average diet, it takes about 1 - 1 1/2 years for the cavity to break through the enamel. At that point the patient needs a filling. Changes in diet, stress, health and others can accelerate the process. Once into dentin, the cavity process speeds up
No specific timeline. In some people, just a couple of years; in others, it may not change for years.
