Being diagnosed as having a cavity is a scary experience for a lot of people. The reality is, having a cavity drilled and filled really isn't that big a deal, but it still frightens many. If you're worried about your cavity but are afraid of seeing the dentist about it, it's a good idea for you to get over that fear ASAP. The longer you wait to have your cavity cared for, the bigger a problem it'll be. Here's what you need to know about your cavity.

When It's Small

When a cavity is small, it's quite an easy process to take care of. Your dentist will numb your mouth with novocaine and possibly a topical numbing agent beforehand to make even the syringe painless. Then, they'll use a small drill to remove the damaged parts of the tooth that have decayed. You won't feel a thing during this because of the novocaine.

Once the decayed parts have been removed, the hole in the tooth will be filled with a filling cement that will provide a similar hardness and color as your natural tooth. This will keep anyone from knowing you had a cavity in the first place, and it is all done without pain.

When it's Big

Unfortunately, cavities don't stay stagnant. Once you develop a cavity, it's likely to keep growing in size. This is because the bacteria that caused the cavity in the first place will continue to eat away at the tooth, all while building more plaque and tartar too. This means that your cavity is likely to get larger the longer that you wait to have it cared for.

If you wait too long for your cavity to be taken care of, a root canal may be necessary. While many people dread root canals, they're really not as awful as they're made out to be. Think of it as a more in-depth version of having your tooth drilled. More of the tooth is drilled and removed, but in the end, it's still filled with a filling. In some cases, if the cavity is large enough, a crown may be necessary to cap it off.

If You Wait Too Long

There's nothing wrong with either of these dental procedures, but they aren't the only option. It is possible that if you wait too long with a cavity that you'll need to have the tooth pulled. Regardless of whether you need a filling or a root canal, it's a lot better for you to keep your tooth than to lose it to a simple cavity. Visit a dentist and get it taken care of right away.

To learn more about dental care services, contact a dentist in your area.