Signs, first steps and how a cavity is fixed, from Horton Family Dental in Fort Collins
See a dentist soon, before it grows. A cavity is a small hole in a tooth caused by decay, and it won’t heal on its own. Most cavities caught early are fixed with a simple filling. At Horton Family Dental in Fort Collins, Dr. Joel Horton checks the tooth, takes X-rays if needed and tells you the fix and the cost.
Until your visit, brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and cut back on sugary snacks and drinks. If the tooth hurts badly or your face swells, call us at (970) 224-5599 right away, or see our emergency dental care page.
Many cavities cause no signs at first, which is why checkups matter. When there are signs, they often include:
A twinge when you have something cold, hot or sweet.
A sharp feeling in one tooth when you chew.
Something you can see in the mirror or feel with your tongue.
A brown, black or chalky white spot that doesn't brush off.
Food that keeps catching in the same spot.
An ache that comes and goes, or that wakes you at night.
Only a dentist can tell for sure. Some of these signs can also mean a cracked tooth or gum trouble, so it’s worth having it looked at.
The earlier it is caught, the smaller the fix.
It depends on how deep the decay goes:
A filling usually takes one visit. We numb the area first, so most of what you feel is pressure.
No. Once decay has made a hole in the tooth, the tooth can’t grow back. Very early weak spots in the enamel, before a hole forms, can sometimes harden again with fluoride and good brushing. That’s one more reason to keep up with regular checkups and cleanings.
Often you can’t tell on your own, because early cavities don’t hurt. A dentist finds them at a checkup, often on X-rays before you notice anything.
It’s best not to wait. A cavity keeps growing, and a small filling can turn into a crown or a root canal once the decay reaches deeper into the tooth.
Rinse with warm water, avoid very hot, cold or sweet food, and take over-the-counter pain relief as the label directs. Call us if the pain is bad or your face swells.
It depends on the size of the cavity and the material, so we’ll tell you the cost before we start. Dental insurance often covers part of a filling, and Horton Family Dental accepts CareCredit.
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, limit sugary snacks and drinks, and see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Updated November 2026
Think you have a cavity, or has a tooth started to hurt? Call us at (970) 224-5599 or send us a request, and we’ll set up a time for you to come in. We accept insurance and CareCredit.
