Question:
I wanted to know if you could still have surgery if you have cavaties.

I just read a question about someone needing a root canal and wanted to know if you have to have your teeth filled/fixed before they will do the surgery and why. I do have a couple of cavaites on my back molars and I hope this won't delay surgery because to be honest, I can't afford to have them filled right now.    — Dawn H. (posted on May 25, 2001)

May 26, 2001
One thing to consider is that your teeth should be in the best condition possible going into surgery, because post op you need to be able to chew, chew, chew, chew. If you have any teeth that are hurting before surgery, it's a good idea to have them fixed so you will be able to do the necessary chewing post op.
   — BethVBG

May 26, 2001
I had my surgery on May 11th and I have cavities on my back molars too. The doc never mentioned them and they don't bother me. The surgery went well and I still have the cavities. (I'm waiting to lose some weight before I go to the dentist to make sure I fit in his chair!)
   — Jennifer S.

September 20, 2001
9-20-2001 I have worked in the dental field for about 21 years now, and I really cannot believe how lightly everyone takes their teeth! If you know you have a cavity, it must be huge! Cavities work backwards, there can be a tiny little hole on the enamel (the top) and it spreads rapidly in an upside down pyramid shape. Decay then reaches the Dentin (inside layer) and then the pulp (blood supply) of the tooth. Some people do not have pain for a really long time. Remember, that if the cavity reaches the pulp, all of the bacteria is swimming in the blood stream of your ENTIRE body! Your body then tries to "wall" off the infection by forming a cyst around it. You think it is expensive to get a filling? Just try $800 for a Root Canal, $150 for a bulid up, and about $700 for a crown! ALL JUST FOR ONE TOOTH! You need your back teeth after this surgery. Can you really afford to let them get worse? Not to mention, if it is a bottom tooth, it could become swollen one night while you are sleeping and then if you let it go, the swelling will travel down your neck and possibly close off your wind pipe. Need I say more?
   — Julie M.

May 21, 2002
I know this q and a has been here a while, but I just found it. I want to respond to the answer from the person working in denal care. I (and many like me) understand the vast risks in not taking care of hurt teeth right away. However, I know that when I say "I can not afford it" it does not mean that I have the money and want to spend it on something else. It means that after I pay for a roof over my head, water, elec., gas and a bit of food to eat, I do not have any money still in my account or in my purse. Nothing there at all to pay for my teeth. What are people without dental insurance supose to do?? Not pay rent or elec bill to get their teeth done??? Don't go around making everyone with bad teeth sound as if they have just choosen not to care for them. You do not have to pay our bills.
   — sweetglow