Dentist Questions Dentist

Are small cavities worth filling?

I am a 24 year old female. I want to know if small cavities are worth filling?

7 Answers

yes! A small filling will last decades and a large filling will require a crown
Once a tooth has a cavity it needs to be restored to prevent food accumulating in the hollow. Be aware however that you can have decay in a tooth without there being a hollow and some of these soft "white spot" areas will remineralise, especially after treatment with fluoride
Hi,

So, the definition of a cavity is a hole. If the cavity is incipient and within the enamel of the tooth, you may be able to arrest it with flossing and fluoride. However, if the cavity has reached the dentin, it will spread. It is at this stage you should get it filled. Sometimes small holes within the enamel grooves can be filled as a preventative measure. Discuss your options with your dentist and make an informed decision.
Hope this helps.
Yes, as they will only get larger and become more complex and expensive to treat.
No, you don't have to. However, it is not easy to conclude "small or medium cavity" just by looking. In most cases, if you detect a small cavity visually, inside of it may be many times larger and deeper. One simple X-ray may provide better information to make judgement.
Absolutely!! It is better to take care of small problems before they become big, serious ones.
The best time to fill cavities are when it is small