I have 9 new cavities and I'm worried about the future of my teeth. It's been 4 years since I've been to the dentist but 2 of my teeth need root canalled. I've had a few cavities before but this is by far the most. I got a second opinion already who agreed that my teeth are in a bad state and have much decay especially in between and in my molars. I'm only 28 so I'm worried about the future of my teeth. Will I be ok?
Nine cavities isn’t exactly a party, but it’s not a total disaster either. I’ve seen folks come in with more holes than Swiss cheese and still walk out grinning (eventually). Root canals sound scary, but honestly, they’re not as bad as their reputation—think of them as a spa day for your tooth’s roots. The good news? Teeth can bounce back with some TLC. The trick is catching this stuff early from now on—four years is a long time in tooth years. Don’t panic; you’re not doomed to dentures at 30. Just gotta get back on track and maybe cut back on the midnight snacks...
Nine cavities… yikes, but you’re right, it’s not the end of the world. I had a run-in with a similar situation a few years ago—think it was six or seven at once? Honestly, I was mortified at first. I remember sitting in the chair, convinced I’d be gumming oatmeal for the rest of my twenties. But after a couple of appointments (and a lot of numbing gel), it wasn’t nearly as dramatic as I’d built it up in my head.
Funny enough, I started obsessing over cosmetic stuff after that. Like, if I’m gonna fix these teeth, maybe it’s time to finally deal with the little chip on my front tooth that’s bugged me since high school. Ever since, I’ve wondered if anyone else has gone down that rabbit hole—one dental issue turns into a whole “what else can I fix?” moment. Did you start thinking about whitening or straightening after your cavity news, or is that just me spiraling?
Also, not sure if this is a hot take, but I gotta mildly disagree about root canals being a spa day. My last one was… fine, but there was nothing relaxing about it. Maybe I just got unlucky with a dentist who liked to hum along to the radio a little too loudly. Still, way better than losing the tooth, and the relief after was unreal.
Out of curiosity, what tipped you off to get checked after four years? Pain, or just a random checkup? I only went because my friend dragged me along to her appointment and the guilt trip was real. Now I’m weirdly into keeping my appointments like clockwork. Funny how that works.
@tpilot79 I've been having pain in some teeth which is why I finally went back. It got unbearable.
Also, not sure if this is a hot take, but I gotta mildly disagree about root canals being a spa day.
Honestly, I’m with you there. I think the “spa day” comparison is a bit of a stretch—my last root canal felt more like sitting through a long software update: necessary, but not exactly relaxing. That said, I do see how the relief after makes it feel worth it. On the cosmetic rabbit hole, I actually went the other way. After fixing my cavities, I started focusing on preventive stuff—like tracking my brushing habits with an app. Maybe it’s just my tech brain wanting data, but it’s been weirdly motivating.
Root canals definitely aren’t my idea of a good time either, but I get what people mean about the relief after. The pain beforehand was way worse for me than the actual procedure. I started using one of those brushing apps too—it’s kind of dorky, but it does help me stay on track. My dentist also said to watch out for sugary drinks and snacks between meals, which was harder than I expected. Teeth stuff is just a lot sometimes.