Blog Post

Do Small Cavities Need to Be Filled?

gmsadmin • Apr 20, 2017
worried woman at the dentist, do small cavities need to be filled blog

Cavities

It’s no secret that many people avoid going to the dentist because they are afraid of finding out they have cavities that need drilling. Thing is, the more you see your dentist, the sooner he or she can detect small cavities that may not even need to be filled. The severity of your tooth decay will determine whether or not you’ll need to get those small cavities filled.

Signs of Cavities

  • Toothaches
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Mild to sharp pain when you eat or drink something hot, cold, or sweet
  • Visible holes in your teeth
  • Brown, black, or white stains on the surface of your tooth
  • Pain when you bite down

Do I Need This Cavity Filled?

Well, it depends. The good news is that if your cavity is small enough, you probably don’t need to have it filled. Since tooth decay is a slowly-progressing problem, catching cavities in their early stages can save you from needing a filling. What’s even better is that regular visits to your dentist can help detect tooth decay before it causes a cavity in the first place. However, if you miss a few appointments and develop a more serious cavity, you will need to have it filled to prevent further damage to your tooth.

How Do I Stop Tooth Decay?

If you catch tooth decay before it becomes a cavity, you’ll want to use these methods to stop the decay from becoming worse:

  • Fluoride Treatments
  • Enamel-protecting toothpastes and rinses
  • Lower sugar and acidic food intakes.

If you’re experiencing signs of tooth decay and cavities, contact Ronald Murphy Dentistry . We offer gentle, personalized dental care for our patients in Batavia and the surrounding areas. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 630-879-7642.

Share by: