Why would a dentist not fill a cavity?

Dental Procedures Lessen the Integrity of Teeth

When a cavity is filled, it weakens the tooth. There's more possibility for damage because the filling can fall out, crack, or there can be a small opening between the filling and tooth that can could lead to decay and then a root canal.

Why didn't my dentist fill my cavities?

Not all cavities need filling. Small ones, or those that aren't posting any serious risk or causing pain, can usually be left alone. They may require filling in the future, but can be monitored over time to ascertain the best option. With lifestyle changes and certain oral hygiene products, erosion can be slowed.

Are there cavities that can't be filled?

Even if your teeth are healthy now, you can still develop a cavity in the future. It's important to catch cavities before the situation becomes exacerbated. A cavity can become so severe that a tooth filling won't repair it.

When can a cavity no longer be filled?

If the decay reaches your tooth's main structure, called dentin, then a filling can replace the lost tooth structure after your dentist has cleaned the cavity of bacteria and infection. However, if it reaches the tooth's center chamber, called the pulp, a filling may no longer suffice to address it.

What happens if a cavity isn't filled?

What happens if you don't get a filling? When decay damages a tooth, the destruction to the enamel is irreversible. If the cavity is left untreated, the decay can spread and worsen, destroying healthy parts of the tooth.

New cavity treatment offers no drilling, no filling

Can I wait 6 months to fill a cavity?

Every Cavity Is Different

Some people have softer tooth enamel than others, making it easier for bacteria or acid to penetrate the tooth. On average, as a broad timeline, it can take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity needs treatment.

How long can you have a cavity before it needs a root canal?

Figuring out when a cavity needs treatment. It can take as long as five years from the time a cavity begins to develop to when the tooth needs treatment to prevent the cavity from spreading further. For some people, though, that period can be as short as a few months.

Why do dentists drill before filling?

When dentists drill into teeth, they are shaping an opening. This is to ensure all of the rot in the dentin is removed entirely. Another reason for drilling is to create a shape for the filling to bond and fill the cavity completely. Fillings can be either a silver/mercury amalgam or they can be plastic.

What are the signs you need a root canal?

How many fillings does the average person have?

Pretty much everyone gets a cavity or two in their lifetime, even with good dental hygiene. The average American adult has three fillings.

How many cavities is normal in a lifetime?

In general, adults develop an average of three cavities during their lifetimes. This means that the average adult has three or four fillings in their mouth. Some patients end up with ten or more fillings depending on how well they care for their teeth.

How do I know if my cavity has reached pulp?

Signs You Have Cavities (Tooth Decay Symptoms)

In the case of a deeper cavity that has reached the pulp or nerve canals, you may notice a bad taste in your mouth. Severe spontaneous pain, pain to pressure, pain that wakes you up at night and pain to hot are often signs of an infected nerve.

How big does a cavity have to be for a crown?

If you have an old filling that is more than 2/3 the width of your tooth, or a filling that is damaged or failing, it may be a good idea to replace it with a dental crown. Crowns provide better protection than fillings and can prevent cracking and other similar complications.

Can dentists lie about cavities?

A cavity is a cavity and there should be no difference between two dentists, right? The answer is not always. Unfortunately, a cavity can be deceptive. It can hide and be obscured by old fillings, location, or just not be obvious by eye or X-ray.

How do I know if my dentist is unnecessary?

Can a dentist miss a cavity?

Cavities are usually painful, and they can be easily spotted by a dentist. However, there are some “hidden cavities” that are harder to spot. These cavities, or hidden caries, are often missed in an exam because they are so deeply hidden within the pits and fissures of the teeth.

Can xray show if you need root canal?

When you get an x-ray, this will give definitive proof that you need to get a root canal. The x-ray gives the dentist a clear view of any infection in the tooth especially one at the root of the tooth.

How painful is a root canal without anesthesia?

You shouldn't feel any pain during the root canal procedure even if your dentist doesn't use anesthesia.

How does a dentist tell if you need a root canal?

Signs you may need root canal therapy include: Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure. Prolonged sensitivity (pain) to hot or cold temperatures (after the heat or cold has been removed) Discoloration (darkening) of the tooth.

Why do dentists make the hole bigger?

Dentists Make Larger Holes in Teeth Than They Need to If the Teeth Present a Visual Illusion of Size | PLOS ONE.

What does a cavity look like on a molar?

What Does a Cavity Look Like? While it is usually difficult to see a cavity in its beginning stages, some cavities start with a whitish or chalky appearance on the enamel of your tooth. More serious cases can have a discolored brown or black color. However, most often there are no distinguishable red alerts.

Can you fill a cavity without drilling?

Resin infiltration allows the dentist to slide a plastic perforated sheet between the teeth with the cavities. There is no drilling necessary, and the procedure is typically completed without any anesthesia.

How do you know if a cavity has reached the nerve?

How painful is a root canal?

Does a root canal hurt? Since patients are given anesthesia, a root canal isn't more painful than a regular dental procedure, such as a filling or getting a wisdom tooth removed. However, a root canal is generally a bit sore or numb after the procedure, and can even cause mild discomfort for a few days.

What does a brown spot on your tooth mean?

Brown spots on teeth can be an early warning sign of cavities, which require a dentist to fix. They may be accompanied by symptoms such as tooth pain, sensitivity, or bad breath. If tooth decay becomes severe, it may lead to gingivitis.