What Happens if You Leave a Damaged Tooth Untreated?

What Happens if You Leave a Damaged Tooth Untreated?

Senior gray haired woman smiling in at home

Damaged teeth are not only uncomfortable, they can be hazardous to your oral health and wellness. Dr. Eric Wiitala of Scottsdale, AZ, is a professional with years of experience who can evaluate you for potential problems and speak to you about treatments. While some treatments may seem costly, it is so important that you understand the consequences that can occur if you leave a tooth that is damaged by decay, disease, or trauma untreated.

What Can Happen if You Leave a Damaged Tooth Untreated?

Dr. Eric Wiitala from the area of Scottsdale explains that leaving a damaged tooth untreated can lead to serious and possibly irreversible consequences. Untreated cavities, for example, can spread and cause infection in the pulp of the tooth, leading to abscesses or even an infection that affects other parts of your body. If a crack is left untreated, it can worsen over time and affect both the inner structure and outer structures of the tooth. In some cases, this could even result in losing part or all of the affected tooth if it is too severe to save. Gum disease caused by plaque buildup around a damaged area may also be accelerated if left untreated due to bacteria gaining access more easily through weakened enamel barriers.

What Treatment Do I Need?

During an evaluation, our team can determine the problem at hand and discuss possible solutions that can be used to restore the tooth and the health of the smile. For some, a simple filling may be able to address a small cavity, while others may need more invasive procedures to bring their smile back to health, including dental crowns or root canal therapy. Every case is different and requires a custom-tailored solution by our team.

Request Time To Speak to Our Team About Your Oral Health Needs

Ultimately, it is vital that you take care of your smile to ensure that you reduce your risk of potential dental problems down the line. If you are located in the Scottsdale, AZ, community or any of the surrounding cities and are interested in working with Dr. Eric Wiitala to discuss your oral health needs, call 480-657-6981 to request a consultation appointment.