What are some potential outcomes of untreated dental caries?

Untreated dental caries can lead to several serious outcomes that significantly impact oral health. One of the primary consequences is pain, which often occurs as the decay progresses, affecting the nerves within the tooth and leading to sensitivity or severe discomfort. If the caries continue untreated, it can cause an infection, resulting in conditions like abscesses that can spread to surrounding tissues and even affect overall health.

Additionally, untreated caries can ultimately lead to tooth loss. As the decay compromises the structural integrity of the tooth, the likelihood of extraction increases when the tooth becomes non-restorable. These results not only impact oral function, making eating and speaking difficult, but can also affect aesthetics, as missing or severely decayed teeth can alter one’s smile and appearance.

In summary, the detrimental effects of untreated dental caries include pain, infection, and the potential for tooth loss, underlining the importance of early detection and prompt treatment to maintain oral health.