What Do Cavities Look Like? Cavities are one of the most common dental issues, but they don’t always look like the big black holes people imagine. In fact, many cavities start invisible to the naked eye, which is why your dentist might find one before you see or feel anything.
At Ultratooth Utah Implant Center, we specialize in both general dentistry and advanced dental implants, helping our patients maintain strong, healthy smiles. Whether you need a simple cavity filling or a full-mouth restoration, Dr. Dan W. Dansie and his experienced team are here to help.
What is a Cavity?
A cavity is a hole or lesion in a tooth caused by acid-producing bacteria that break down enamel and dentin. Cavities don’t appear overnight—they develop in stages and can worsen without treatment.
📍 Located in Pleasant Grove, Utah, we provide comprehensive dental care, from routine checkups to full-mouth restorations with same-day dental implants.
What Do Cavities Look Like at Every Stage?
Stage 1: Early Demineralization (Pre-Cavity Stage)
✅ What it looks like:
- White or chalky spots on the tooth enamel
- No visible holes or rough areas
- Common near the gumline or in molar grooves
💡 What’s happening?
Plaque bacteria are starting to weaken the enamel, but no hole has formed yet.
🦷 How we treat it:
At Ultratooth Utah Implant Center, we focus on preventing cavities before they form by offering thorough cleanings and early detection exams.
Stage 2: Early Enamel Decay (Small Surface Cavity)
✅ What it looks like:
- Yellow, brown, or black stains on the enamel
- A slightly rough or pitted surface
- No pain or sensitivity yet
💡 What’s happening?
The enamel is starting to break down, forming the first signs of a cavity.
🦷 How we treat it:
We can restore the tooth with a simple filling using composite resin to match your natural tooth color.
Stage 3: Dentin Decay (Deep Cavity)
✅ What it looks like:
- A visible hole or crater in the tooth
- Dark brown or black discoloration inside the cavity
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets
💡 What’s happening?
Decay has reached the dentin layer, which is softer than enamel, allowing the cavity to spread more quickly.
🦷 How we treat it:
Depending on the size of the cavity, we may recommend a larger filling or a dental crown to restore strength to the tooth.
Stage 4: Pulp Infection (Severe Decay & Nerve Damage)
✅ What it looks like:
- A deep hole in the tooth
- Swollen red gums or pus near the tooth
- Throbbing pain or discomfort when chewing
💡 What’s happening?
Decay has reached the pulp, the tooth’s inner core that contains nerves and blood vessels. This stage is often painful and requires immediate care.
🦷 How we treat it:
A root canal is needed to remove the infected pulp and save the tooth. We also offer IV sedation for a painless, anxiety-free experience.
Stage 5: Abscess (Tooth Infection & Tooth Loss Risk)
✅ What it looks like:
- A swollen, pus-filled bump near the tooth
- Facial swelling and severe pain
- A bad taste in the mouth or fever
💡 What’s happening?
The infection has spread beyond the tooth, possibly into the jawbone or bloodstream, posing serious health risks.
🦷 How we treat it:
- Emergency root canal or extraction
- Antibiotics to control infection
- If the tooth must be removed, we can replace it with an Ultratooth dental implant—the only same-day FDA-approved implant that lets you bite into an apple right away!
Why Can’t You Always See or Feel a Cavity?
Even if you have a cavity, you might not notice any symptoms. This is because:
🔹 Cavities often start in hidden areas (between teeth or under fillings).
🔹 Pain isn’t present until the decay reaches the dentin or pulp.
🔹 Small cavities may only be visible on X-rays, appearing as dark spots or shadows.
That’s why regular dental checkups at our Pleasant Grove office are essential to catch cavities early before they cause pain or tooth loss.
What Color Are Cavities?
✔ White spots – Early demineralization
✔ Yellow or brown stains – Early enamel decay
✔ Dark brown or black holes – Advanced decay
✔ Gray or black shadows on X-rays – Hidden cavities between teeth
Cavity Prevention Tips from Dr. Dan Dansie
✅ Brush twice daily using a high-quality toothbrush
✅ Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
✅ Limit sugary and acidic foods & drinks
✅ Visit us for checkups every 6 months
✅ Consider dental sealants for extra protection
At Ultratooth Utah Implant Center, we focus on preventing and treating cavities to help you maintain a strong, confident smile.
Why Choose Ultratooth Utah Implant Center?
🔹 Comprehensive General & Implant Dentistry – From cavity prevention to dental implants, we provide full-scope dental care.
🔹 Expert Dentist, Dr. Dan W. Dansie – With experience in wisdom tooth extractions, IV sedation, and complex oral surgery, Dr. Dansie has performed over 45,000 tooth extractions.
🔹 Same-Day Ultratooth Implants – The only FDA-approved dental implant that allows you to eat right away after placement.
🔹 Located in Pleasant Grove, Utah – Serving all of Utah County with top-tier dental care.
📞 Call us today to schedule your appointment!
Protect your smile—don’t wait until a cavity becomes a bigger problem! 🦷✨