- A cavity is a small hole in a tooth caused by decay, and it tends to grow larger if it is not treated.
- Early cavities often cause no pain, so regular exams and X-rays are the most reliable way to catch them.
- Treatment is matched to the size of the decay, from a simple filling to a crown or, in deeper cases, a root canal.
- Daily brushing with fluoride, flossing, and limiting sugary or acidic drinks can lower your risk.
- Our dentists serve South San Francisco and nearby cities and aim to treat cavities while they are still small.
A cavity is a permanently damaged area in a tooth caused by decay, creating a small hole that grows if untreated. At Vaksman Dental Group in South San Francisco, our dentists catch cavities early and treat them with gentle, lasting restorations chosen to fit the size and location of the decay.
What Is a Cavity?
A cavity, also called tooth decay or dental caries, happens when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and produce acids. Over time those acids wear away the hard outer layer of the tooth, called enamel, and create a hole. If decay reaches the softer layers underneath, it can spread faster and reach the nerve.
Cavities are one of the most common chronic conditions, and they affect children and adults alike. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, untreated tooth decay remains widespread, which is why routine dental visits matter so much.
What Causes Cavities and Who Is at Risk?
Decay is driven by a mix of bacteria, frequent sugar, and time. Anyone can develop a cavity, but some people face higher risk.
- Frequent snacking or sipping sugary and acidic drinks
- Brushing or flossing less often than recommended
- Dry mouth, which can be linked to certain medications
- Deep grooves in back teeth that trap food
- Existing fillings or crowns with worn edges
- Receding gums that expose softer root surfaces
The American Dental Association’s MouthHealthy resource notes that saliva, fluoride, and good daily habits all help protect enamel between visits.
Signs You May Have a Cavity
Small cavities often cause no symptoms at all, which is why they can be easy to miss. As decay grows, you may notice:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- A toothache or pain when biting down
- A visible pit, hole, or dark spot on a tooth
- Staining on the surface of a tooth
- Food that keeps getting caught in the same spot
Because early decay is usually silent, regular checkups are the most dependable way to find it. If you are already having pain or notice a hole, our emergency dental care team can help you get seen promptly.
How We Treat Cavities
Treatment depends on how far the decay has progressed. Our dentists confirm the diagnosis with an exam and digital images, then talk through your options before any work begins. Common approaches include:
- Fillings for small to moderate cavities. The decayed area is gently cleaned out and the space is filled with a tooth-colored material that restores the tooth’s shape.
- Crowns when decay is large and the tooth needs full coverage for strength. With CEREC technology, a crown can often be designed and placed in a single visit.
- Root canal therapy when decay reaches the nerve. This removes the infected tissue and saves the natural tooth. The American Association of Endodontists explains how modern root canal treatment relieves pain rather than causing it.
- Extraction only when a tooth is too damaged to save, followed by a conversation about replacement options.
Where it adds value, our office uses Pearl AI, an FDA-cleared system that helps our dentists review X-rays for areas of concern, supporting an accurate diagnosis. If you would like a deeper look at our restorative options, see our pages on dental fillings and dental crowns.
What Cavity Treatment Typically Costs
Costs vary widely based on the tooth, the size of the decay, your insurance, and the material used. The figures below are general national ranges to help you plan and are not our office’s prices:
- Tooth-colored filling: roughly $150 to $450 per tooth
- Dental crown: roughly $1,000 to $2,500 per tooth
- Root canal: roughly $700 to $1,800, depending on the tooth
Many dental plans cover a portion of cavity treatment, especially when it is caught early. Our team is glad to review your specific situation and explain your estimate before treatment.
Aftercare and Preventing Future Cavities
Most people return to normal eating soon after a filling, though a numb area should be protected until sensation returns. Mild sensitivity for a few days is common and typically fades. To help keep new cavities from forming:
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily
- Limit sugary and acidic snacks and drinks, and sip water through the day
- Keep up with routine cleanings and exams
- Ask whether dental sealants or fluoride treatments are right for you
Prevention is the heart of what we do. A regular professional cleaning removes the buildup that brushing alone can miss and gives our team a chance to spot small problems early. Patients from South San Francisco, San Bruno, Daly City, Brisbane, Colma, Pacifica, Millbrae, Burlingame, and across San Francisco are always welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cavity heal on its own?
Very early enamel weakening can sometimes be slowed or remineralized with fluoride and good habits, but once a true hole has formed in the tooth, it cannot heal on its own and needs to be treated by a dentist. The sooner it is addressed, the smaller and simpler the treatment usually is.
Does getting a cavity filled hurt?
Our dentists use local anesthetic to keep the area comfortable, so most people feel little or nothing during a filling. Some mild sensitivity afterward is normal and typically settles within a few days. If you feel anxious about treatment, let us know and we can talk through ways to help you feel at ease.
How do I know if I have a cavity if it does not hurt?
Many cavities cause no pain in the early stages, which is exactly why regular exams and X-rays matter. During a checkup, our dentists can find decay long before you would notice it, often while it is still small enough for a simple filling.
What happens if I leave a cavity untreated?
An untreated cavity tends to grow, and decay can reach the nerve and lead to infection, pain, or the loss of the tooth. Treating it early usually means a smaller, less costly fix, while waiting can turn a simple filling into a crown, root canal, or extraction.
Written by the Vaksman Dental Group team and medically reviewed by Dr. Irena Vaksman, DDS — South San Francisco.
