3) Unnecessary Cavity Filling: Teeth Cavities Can Reverse! YES! Over 55% of dentists abandon what they learn in dental school and will drill and fill these areas of "incipient decay" (the technical term for the initial cavity formation).
In short, the answer is no. Dental fillings are used to treat cavities because a dentist tends to want to remove the decayed part (the cavity) and fill it to stop any further damage from occurring. While there aren't ways to remove a cavity without using a filling, there are ways almost to reverse the decay.
Although it's possible for a cavity to progress without causing pain and discomfort, it's important to talk to your dentist about your options for treating a cavity before it becomes more of a problem. Even without pain, damage can certainly still be done.
Ignoring it will do more harm than good inside the mouth. In fact, according to research published in the Journal of Dentistry, a bad or worn out dental filling can increase tooth decay, infection, and mean more fillings will be needed, particularly on neighboring teeth.
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.
However, most teeth can safely have up to three fillings. If a tooth has more than three fillings, there is a greater risk of the tooth breaking or developing problems with the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth.
Insufficient oral hygiene. The quickest way to welcome cavities is to slack on dental care. Not brushing or flossing regularly, and not using mouthwash or brushing your tongue will leave your teeth vulnerable to decay. Brushing your teeth for less than two minutes each time can also lead to cavities.
In a span of 3-6 months cavities can reach the nerve of your tooth. That's not good. Really not good. That's by no means a definitive point either.
Yes, you still need a tooth filling even if your tooth doesn't hurt. The cavity may not hurt now, but the thing about tooth decay is that it doesn't go away on its own.
That dentist may be inaccurate. It's sort of reinforcing to have them say you are “fine” if you “want” to be cavity-free. However, the only true way when you have a true difference of opinion is to go to a State Dental Society or State Dental Board and ask them what “would a reasonable dentist do in this situation”.
Every experienced dental professional has seen their share of bad teeth. For all your fears and worries, you're most likely not the worst case scenario. And even if you are, a good dentist won't recoil in horror or make hurtful comments. Great dentists see a problem to solve and a way to make you healthier.
Left untreated, a cavity can result in an abscessed tooth. If allowed to get this far, a cavity will result in loss of tooth structure and become more easily breakable. Abscessed teeth typically need root canals in order to save them.
Yes, tooth decay can be treated without fillings! Early decay is a reversible process. The key is to detect it in the early stages when this is still possible. It is helpful to think of this strategy as "medical vs surgical" treatment.
By creating an acidic environment in your mouth, bacteria erode tooth enamel. Everyone has saliva as a natural defense against these bacteria; however, some people have enough nutrients in their saliva to remineralize the teeth enough to stop cavities in their tracks.
On average, as a broad timeline, it can take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity needs treatment. The conditions of your mouth change daily. Conclusion: a cavity can start to form, then not have the right conditions to develop.
Those that are too deep or too large may require a more intensive treatment. Once bacteria have entered your tooth, it may be too late for a filling because we will need to prevent or treat an existing infection. However, it's never too late for dental care!
Change in daily routine: If you weren't getting cavities before and now you are, it's highly likely that something in your life has changed that's causing the sudden onset. Consider lifestyle factors like diet, stress, starting school or a new job, and new habits.
These holes can take over your mouth due to a variety of factors, including frequent snacking, excess bacteria, not cleaning your teeth diligently, and drinking sugary drinks daily. Cavities are especially common in children, teenagers, and young adults.
Though good oral hygiene that includes brushing and flossing helps in preventing cavities, you may still get cavities. The reasons can be many, like the spaces between teeth that easily trap food, consuming too much cavity-causing foods and beverages, avoiding regular professional-level cleanings and checkups, etc.
Cavities are one of the most common health problems. Over 90% of adults in the US have had at least one cavity in their mouth. On average, adult patients have had around 3-4 cavities in their lifetime.
So, if you have one dental filling, maybe it's OK. But if you have more than eight dental filings, the potential risk for adverse effect is higher," Yu said. People with numerous dental fillings who are also exposed to mercury from other sources, such as seafood or work environments, are most at risk.
Young adults (20-39 years old)
Depending on oral health and prior dental care, the number of fillings in young adults can vary greatly. However, the frequency of cavity fillings for young adults is typically between 4 and 8.
Most dentists will not perform more than 4 fillings in one sitting. Technically there is no limit to home many fillings can be given at a time. However, we do not recommend doing more than four at one time.