Dental cavities in Montreal affect millions of people each year, yet they are almost entirely preventable. Whether you’ve just been told you have a cavity or want to protect your teeth, this guide from Écodentaire Clinic covers everything you need to know about tooth decay.
What Is a Dental Cavity?
A cavity (also called tooth decay or caries) is permanent damage to the hard surface of a tooth, creating tiny holes. It’s caused by bacteria in the mouth that produce acids from sugars, gradually destroying tooth enamel.
The 4 Stages of Tooth Decay
- Stage 1 – Enamel demineralization: white spots appear, no pain yet — reversible with fluoride
- Stage 2 – Enamel decay: cavity forms in enamel — requires a filling
- Stage 3 – Dentin decay: decay reaches dentin, causing sensitivity — filling or inlay needed
- Stage 4 – Pulp involvement: bacteria reach the nerve — root canal required
- Stage 5 – Abscess: infection at tooth root — root canal or extraction needed
Signs You May Have a Cavity
- Toothache or spontaneous pain without an obvious cause
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- Visible holes or pits in your teeth
- Brown, black, or white staining on tooth surfaces
- Pain when biting down
- Bad breath that persists despite brushing
Important: Many cavities have NO symptoms in their early stages. This is why regular dental checkups every 6 months are critical — your dentist can detect cavities before you feel them.
Cavity Treatments Available in Montreal
Dental Filling (Most Common)
- Material: composite resin (tooth-colored) or amalgam
- Best for: small to medium cavities
- Duration: 30–60 minutes per tooth
- Cost in Montreal: $150–$400 depending on size and tooth
- Longevity: 7–15 years
Dental Inlay or Onlay
- Custom-made porcelain or composite restoration for larger cavities
- More durable than standard fillings
- Cost: $800–$1,500 per tooth
Root Canal Treatment
- Required when decay reaches the tooth pulp (nerve)
- Removes infected tissue, seals the canal
- Cost: $600–$1,500 depending on the tooth
- Usually followed by a dental crown
Tooth Extraction
- Last resort when the tooth cannot be saved
- Cost: $150–$400 for simple extraction
- Should be followed by implant, bridge, or partial denture
How to Prevent Dental Cavities
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste — 2 minutes minimum
- Floss once daily to remove plaque between teeth
- Limit sugary and acidic foods — they feed cavity-causing bacteria
- Drink fluoridated water — tap water in Montreal contains fluoride
- Dental sealants: protective coating applied to molars (especially for children)
- Regular checkups every 6 months: early detection saves money and pain
- Avoid snacking frequently: each snack creates a 20-minute acid attack on enamel
Suspect you have a cavity? Don’t wait — cavities only get bigger and more expensive over time. Book your exam at Écodentaire today:
📍 Écodentaire Concordia Atwater: 1801 Maisonneuve Ouest, Suite 730 — (514) 933-3641
📍 Écodentaire Outremont: 6100 Avenue du Boisé — (514) 504-6060
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