How Can You Heal a Cavity?

Treatments for cavities include dental fillings, root canal therapy, and tooth extraction. The sooner you treat a cavity, the better your chance for a predictable outcome and optimal oral health. In the rest of this article, we explain what a cavity is, the different types, how common they are, the signs to watch for, who is most at risk, the main treatment options, the key differences between a simple filling and root canal treatment, what happens step-by-step during a cavity filling, and what you can realistically expect after treatment — including real patient and dentist experiences.

What Is a Cavity and What Are the Types?

A cavity (also called tooth decay or dental caries) is a hole that forms in the hard surface of a tooth when acids produced by bacteria in the mouth erode the enamel (the outer protective layer).

There are three main types of cavities:

• Smooth surface cavities These develop slowly on the flat sides of teeth (often between teeth). They are common in adults in their 20s and 30s and can sometimes be reversed in the very early stage with good oral hygiene and fluoride.
• Pit and fissure cavities These form in the deep grooves (pits and fissures) on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They progress quickly and are very common in teenagers and young adults.
• Root cavities These occur on the exposed root surfaces when gums recede (common in older adults). Root decay is harder to treat and often more painful because the root has less protective enamel.

How Common Are Cavities?

Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. More than 80% of people will have at least one cavity by their mid-30s. Children, teenagers, and older adults with receding gums are especially vulnerable.

What Are the Signs of Cavities?

Early cavities often have no symptoms. As they progress, you may notice:

• Bad breath that doesn’t go away
• Bleeding or swollen gums
• Visible holes or dark spots on teeth
• Toothache or spontaneous pain
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods/drinks
• Pain when biting or chewing

Advanced stages can lead to infection (abscess), swelling of the face, or severe throbbing pain.

Who Might Get a Cavity?

Anyone can develop a cavity, but certain factors increase the risk:

• Frequent consumption of sugary or starchy foods/drinks
• Poor oral hygiene (infrequent brushing/flossing)
• Dry mouth (from medications, aging, or medical conditions)
• Receding gums (exposing roots)
• Family history of cavities
• Previous radiation therapy to the head/neck area
• Wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances

Children and older adults are at particularly high risk.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on how deep and advanced the cavity is:

1. Fluoride treatment Used for very early cavities (white spots / demineralization). High-strength fluoride varnish or gel helps remineralize the enamel and can reverse early damage.
2. Dental filling The most common treatment for moderate cavities that haven’t reached the pulp (nerve). The dentist removes the decayed part and fills the hole with composite resin, amalgam, gold, or porcelain.
3. Root canal therapy Needed when decay reaches the pulp (nerve chamber) and causes infection or severe inflammation. The dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans the canals, disinfects them, and seals them.
4. Tooth extraction The last resort when the tooth is too damaged to save. After extraction, options include dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures.

For deep cavities close to the pulp, some dentists try to avoid root canal with techniques like indirect pulp capping or direct pulp capping (placing a protective layer over the pulp to encourage healing).

Difference Between Filling and Root Canal

• Filling
  • For cavities that affect only the enamel and dentin (not the pulp).
  • Simpler, quicker, usually done in one visit.
  • Less expensive.
  • Tooth remains vital (living pulp stays inside).
• Root canal
  • For cavities that have reached or infected the pulp.
  • More complex, often requires 1–2 visits.
  • More expensive.
  • The tooth is no longer vital (pulp is removed), but the tooth is preserved in the mouth.

Step by Step: What Happens During a Cavity Filling?

1. The dentist numbs the area with local anesthesia.
2. A dental dam (rubber sheet) is sometimes placed to keep the area dry.
3. The decayed portion is removed using a drill or laser.
4. The cavity is cleaned and the tooth is prepared (etched if composite filling).
5. The filling material is placed (composite is layered and hardened with a special light).
6. The filling is shaped, polished, and checked for proper bite.
7. The procedure usually takes 20–60 minutes depending on the size.

After Your Cavity Filling – What to Expect

• Numbness lasts 1–3 hours (be careful not to bite your cheek/lip).
• Mild sensitivity to hot/cold for a few days to 2 weeks is normal (especially with deep fillings).
• Avoid very hard or sticky foods for 24 hours if you have a composite filling.
• Good oral hygiene (brushing twice a day, flossing) prevents new cavities.
• Regular dental check-ups every 6 months are recommended.

Most fillings last 5–15 years (composite) or longer (amalgam/gold), depending on location, size, and oral habits.

Real Patient & Dentist Experiences

Patient experience (common reports):

• “The injection hurt a little, but after that I felt nothing. The filling took about 40 minutes and I could eat normally the same evening.”
• “I had sensitivity for about 10 days after a deep filling, but it slowly went away. Now the tooth feels completely normal.”
• “I was terrified of the drill sound, but my dentist explained everything and played music — it made a huge difference.”

Dentist perspective (common advice):

• “The earlier we catch a cavity, the smaller and simpler the treatment. Waiting until it hurts usually means more expense and discomfort.”
• “Composite fillings look natural, but they require very dry conditions during placement — that’s why we use a dental dam for many cases.”
• “Even after a perfect filling, daily flossing is more important than the filling material itself in preventing future problems.”

If you have pain, sensitivity, or visible holes, see a dentist as soon as possible — early treatment is almost always easier, faster, and less expensive.

Sources: Cleveland Clinic, Primary Dental, and general dental clinical guidelines. Always consult your own dentist for personalized advice.