According to the American Dental Association (ADA), tooth cavities are the destruction of your tooth enamel leading to the formation of cavities. When does a cavity need to be filled? Even if you have small cavities, they need to be filled. However, if you can catch the tooth decay early, before it has led to a cavity, there are a few options available to help you avoid the drill.
Are tooth fillings necessary?
Not all tooth decay is created equal. If you’re hoping to avoid a filling, there are a few less invasive options your dentist can use if the decay is caught early in its development. When tooth decay first begins, it can look brown or white where the enamel is softening. Topical fluoride treatments and sealants may be your best tool to prevent the cavity from forming and avoid a filling.
- Fluoride varnish: This is a liquid that is painted onto the teeth, quickly hardening into a thin layer as the fluoride is absorbed by the enamel.
- Fluoride gel: A gel treatment is put in a specially designed tray and placed in your mouth. The tray is left in your mouth for a period of time, as the enamel absorbs the fluoride, before the tray is removed.
- High-fluoride toothpaste: Hopefully you’re already using a toothpaste containing fluoride, but some toothpaste with a higher concentration of fluoride is available with a prescription. This type of toothpaste is prescribed when the decay leaves the root exposed and daily use of high-fluoride toothpaste is used to prevent further decay from occurring.
- Silver diamine fluoride (SDF): If tooth decay has advanced to form a cavity, there may be another option your dentist will consider besides a filling, especially for young patients. SDF is a treatment that is applied directly to the area of decay, stopping the decay from continuing without filling the cavity. This means your tooth structure is still compromised and unfortunately the treated area will also turn black. So why should you consider this option? This type of treatment may best be used when the cavity is occurring in primary (baby) teeth. The aesthetic issue of the black spot is less of a concern since those teeth will fall out eventually, and this quick and inexpensive option may be preferable for younger patients that aren’t comfortable with a drill.
- Dental sealants: The back of your teeth are decay targets since they have deep pits and grooves that trap plaque and food particles. Dental sealants provide extra protection by forming a smooth surface over the back teeth. Dental sealants should be placed on healthy teeth with no decay, but can also be used over areas of early decay to prevent further damage to your tooth. Your dentist would monitor this tooth to make sure the sealant is doing its job. The quick and painless process is a great way to start kids off with extra protection against cavities.
Do you have to get fillings for cavities?
Cavities need to be filled. Luckily, there are more types of fillings for teeth today than ever before. They vary in complexity and material, from amalgam to composites, or gold and porcelain. There are benefits and drawbacks to each type, such as changing colour, longevity, durability and expense. If you’re not able to catch the tooth decay early enough, your dentist will help you determine the best filling type or treatment plan for your cavity.
Prevention
Regular dental checkups are your best defense to spot tooth decay as early as possible so that non-drilling options are still in your scope of treatment. Remember to brush with a fluoride toothpaste after eating or drinking. If your dentist believes you’re at a high risk for decay or cavities, a mouth rinse may also be recommended. Just know that being proactive is always best. Practise good oral hygiene and keep an open conversation going with your dentist, and hopefully you can keep those cavities at bay.
