What Happens If You Don’t Have a Cavity Treated?

Mandarin Dentistry • September 28, 2025

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Have you been told you have a cavity? Or do you have symptoms that make you think you have one? Our  dentist in Jacksonville, FL, at Mandarin Dentistry can provide treatment for this common tooth problem. But what happens if you delay having it treated — or don’t have it treated at all?

Infections

You can end up with an infection deep inside your tooth when a cavity is left untreated. Cavities are holes in your teeth that happen when you have tooth decay. Without treatment, they can cause bacteria to invade your tooth — potentially entering your bloodstream and causing a serious infection.

Abscesses

These can develop when you have an infection under your gums or inside a tooth. An abscess may appear as a pimple or bump on your gums. You might also have other signs, like a fever, swelling, and throbbing pain with this kind of infection. Abscesses may rupture, causing bacteria to spread.

Tooth Loss

When you don’t have any treatments done for cavities, you may end up losing teeth. Tooth decay that becomes severe enough may result in the need for an extraction rather than a root canal or other treatment. You’ll then need to explore options for replacing any teeth that are pulled.

When to Seek Help for a Cavity

If you know you have one, it’s time to set up treatment. But if you’re unsure, schedule an appointment with our dentist for an exam.

Schedule Treatment for Cavities Today!

Do you need a filling or other care for tooth decay? Our dental team at Mandarin Dentistry offers cavity treatment in Jacksonville, FL, to stop decay in its tracks and prevent it from getting worse.

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