What Happens If You Don’t Go to the Dentist for 20 Years?

A few of us put off visiting a Miami dentist one way or another. Even if we don’t have any ill intentions, there are situations in which procrastinating, like changing your oil, checking your insurance, organizing your pantry, or getting your teeth checked for cavities, seems more appealing than getting your brain frazzled by all the responsibilities.

Before you know it, it’s been months, perhaps years, since your last appointment.

Don’t take this lightly! No pain doesn’t mean everything is alright. The cavity is still there! It’s probably taking root deeper. Get it.

Assuming 20 years have passed since your last visit, here’s what you can expect:

Year 1 to 5 – Neglect Starts Small

Skipping dental visits might seem harmless at first. Maybe you had a bad experience as a kid. Perhaps life just got in the way. You missed one appointment, then another, and now years have flown by since your last visit.

A little bit of plaque never hurts. However, its slow buildup over the years might have invaded the gums, and now you are experiencing excruciating pain. Before you know it, your teeth have lost their strength and are wobbling in their place, on the verge of falling off. At this point, even Miami cosmetic dentistry cannot save your teeth.

Year 5 to 10 – The Rise of Gingivitis and Its Evolution

The bad news is that a little bit of plaque has the potential to turn into gingivitis. This can lead to periodontitis. As a result, your gums will pull away from your teeth, and an infection will develop in the empty space. Moreover, this empty space will give off a nasty smell.

Year 10 to 15 – Decay and Destruction

Cavities are pretty much inevitable at this point. Here’s why:

• Plaque contains bacteria that produce acids.
• This acid eats away at your enamel, causing holes in your teeth.

Without treatment, these cavities get larger and deeper. Ultimately, they reach the tooth’s pulp. This can cause intense pain. As a result, you might need a root canal. If that doesn’t work, an extraction is the next best option.

Year 15 to 20 – The Final Countdown

By now, you are likely dealing with multiple missing teeth. You have difficulty eating because you can’t chew properly. This has led to unnecessary weight loss. Your poor diet is the culprit. It will inevitably cause other health problems. Your immune system will probably take the brunt of it.

Now you ask, “Is it too late?”

Yes, twenty years have passed since your last dental checkup. However, the answer is not that straightforward.

There’s still hope!

You can thank modern dentistry for this. There are plenty of treatments that will improve your teeth’s physical health and their appearance.

Visit Jennifer Lopez Dental for restorative and cosmetic dentistry in Miami. To schedule an appointment, call (305) 227-1213.

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Posted on Jun 06, 2024