Can a dentist see a cavity without X-rays?

Cavities between teeth are rarely seen without X-rays unless they are very large or when teeth break. The following pictures are the same teeth in the X-rays above: Once cavities are exposed, it is not surprising that they are always larger than they look in X-rays.

Can dentists lie about cavities?

If your dentist answers that cavities can not go away on their own, they are lying. Ask the dentist to show you how your cavity is beyond the first layer of the tooth, then and only then a cavity should be fixed.

Can cavities be misdiagnosed?

Some patients wonder whether it’s possible to misdiagnose a cavity. The answer is yes, there is always the potential to under or over diagnose a cavity. The chances of this happening are rare and depend on a number of factors.

What can be mistaken for cavities?

Tooth Sensitivity Sensitive teeth often resemble a cavity. It will feel like a tingle or tickle in your teeth at certain times. Your teeth feel sensitive due to bacteria that is thinning down your tooth enamel. Enamel protects the nerves in the teeth.

What do pre cavities look like?

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.

Why are there little holes in my teeth?

Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well.

Can a dentist show you their X-rays to talk about treatment?

Looking over x-rays to talk through a treatment plan should be a group effort between the dentist and patient. Avoid working with a dentist who is hesitant to show you their findings on an x-ray. How Can I Protect Myself Against Dentistry Fraud?

Do you have a cavity between your teeth?

Do You Have a Cavity Between Your Teeth? A cavity between two teeth is called an interproximal cavity. Just like any other cavity, interproximal cavities form when enamel is worn away and bacteria sticks to the tooth and causes decay. How do I know that I have a cavity between my teeth?

What do dentists look at when they check for cavities?

A normal tooth showing enamel and dentin, the two layers dentists care about when discussing cavities. Dentists look at two layers of tooth when evaluating decay: the outer hard shell called enamel and the relatively softer inside layer called dentin.

How do dentists determine when a tooth needs a filling?

A tooth with a cavity. The hole left by the drill is filled back in with a new material (this is a filling). The cavity removed by a dental drill. Now there is a void. HOW DO DENTISTS DETERMINE WHEN A CAVITY NEEDS A FILLING? A normal tooth showing enamel and dentin, the two layers dentists care about when discussing cavities.