They told me I have a cavity.
CA-rye — 'carie' is pronounced with two syllables: CA-ri-e. Ends in a clear 'e'.
Report what a previous dentist told you. Useful when visiting a new dentist and explaining existing conditions.
'Mi hanno detto che' (they told me that) is a reporting structure. 'Ho una carie' (I have a cavity) — 'carie' is invariable in Italian (same form singular and plural). You can say 'ho due carie' (I have two cavities). The full word is 'carie dentale'. 'Devo trattarla subito?' (Do I need to treat it immediately?) is a logical follow-up.
Quante carie ho?
How many cavities do I have?
Ask for a full assessment at a check-up
La carie è profonda?
Is the cavity deep?
Depth determines whether filling or root canal is needed
Si può aspettare a trattarla?
Can it wait before treatment?
Small cavities can sometimes be monitored; deep ones need prompt treatment
Regular dental check-ups ('controlli periodici') every 6-12 months are essential in Italy for early cavity detection. Small cavities ('carie iniziali') can sometimes be remineralised with fluoride treatments without drilling — a modern preventive approach. Italy has a growing focus on 'odontoiatria preventiva' (preventive dentistry) especially for children.