How many dental fillings are done each year?

According to the American Dental Association, about 175 million filling operations are performed in the United States every year.

What happens if you have a cavity and don’t go to the dentist?

Cavities don’t just go away on their own. If you ignore a cavity, it will continue to grow in size. One bad cavity could lead to a second cavity before long. Decay of the tooth will widen and deepen; this will make you more prone to brittle teeth leaving them to the possibility of cracking and breaking.

Why do fillings and other dental work appear white and opaque in a dental X-ray?

FYI – The very white objects on this radiograph are existing metal (amalgam) dental fillings. They appear as bright white because the filling’s metal is so dense that few if any x-rays have been able to penetrate it and expose the x-ray film/sensor.

Why do some dentists find more cavities?

Genetics – Some people are simply born being more susceptible to the type of bacteria that cause cavities. Tooth Anatomy – People with crowded teeth have a lot of nooks and crannies where plaque and cavity-causing bacteria accumulate. It’s also harder to reach these areas with a toothbrush and floss.

Do I really need a filling?

Is a dental filling always required to treat a cavity? 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.

Do you really need fillings for your teeth?

“It’s unnecessary for patients to have fillings because they’re not required in many cases of dental decay,” said Wendell Evans of the University of Sydney. “This research signals the need for a major shift in the way tooth decay is managed by dentists…

Do I need an anaesthetic for a cavity or filling?

Perhaps you’ve noticed a small cavity in your tooth, have been experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, or an old filling has come out. If the decay is only on the surface of the tooth, the dentist may not need to administer an anaesthetic at all. They can drill the damaged tooth enamel without it causing any pain.

Should you ask a dentist for a second opinion on fillings?

Opinions both inside and outside the dental community vary widely about whether a more aggressive or patient approach is best when dealing with tooth fillings. Don’t avoid the dentist out of confusion or distrust; instead, inform yourself on the options, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion.

What is the difference between a dental lesion and a filling?

Dental lesions are the first stage of tooth decay, when the damage is only beginning to affect the enamel. A tooth filling involves drilling out the dental caries (cavity) and often surrounding tooth material, in order to create a pocket that can be filled.