Monday, April 27, 2009

Cavities...probably lots of them. What to do?

I'm pretty sure I have a cavity..or more. I can see a hole in my back molar. It doesn't hurt though...can I wait? If I make an appointment with the dentist, will I have to get a check-up first, or can they just fill it up on the spot? My teeth are also very yellow. However, I suspect it's from acid over the past 6 years and not stains. I'm guessing I've worn off most of my enamel. So the yellow is the dentin (sp?). Does this make me more vulnerable to cavities? I think I may have multiple cavities. But I'm terrified by how much it may cost. Is there an estimate? I can't pay all of it now, I just can't. Ugh.

Cavities...probably lots of them. What to do?
Make an appointment for an examination. You will get all of your questions answered by someone who can take x-rays and actually see your teeth instead of reading your brief description of the situation. Do not wait. Just because the cavity does not hurt now doesn't mean that it won't. Usually sooner rather than later, once they are big enough for you to see them...
Reply:have a checkup.


tell your dentist you need to phase any treatment over a period of time and can they tell you which work is the most urgent.





yellow teeth - smoking? tea or coffee?
Reply:Quit doing acid first off. Second of all yes it stripping the enamel away makes you more vulnerable to cavitys. When you in for your appt they will see the cavitys if you have them and they will fill them probably immediately if they are bad enough they will drill your tooth and give you a crown for it and it is very very costly. I hate to sound mean, but you should have thought about this before doing acid in the first place. Try some toothpaste with whitener in it and see if it helps you out. Good luck.
Reply:Some dentists will accept payments over a period of time. They don't all do that, but you could always ask.





I would recommend that you make an appointment. You will likely have to have xrays when you have your examination. From there, the dentist will tell you the next steps. You will likely have to return to have some work done, especially if the xrays show things.





Just because you are not feeling pain does not mean you should forget about having a filling. You should have it filled, and any other work that the dentist recommends.





If you do not follow your dentist's advice, you could lose your teeth, because there might be a chance that you have gingivitis (gum disease). But let's not think of that for now. Trust your dentist and do as is suggested.





After that, be sure to brush thoroughly after each meal and FLOSS after you brush. Many people hate flossing, but it takes only a few seconds, and it will remove a lot of trapped food particle that brushing cannot reach. And use a good mouthwash such as Listerine (you can dilute it very slightly with a tiny amount of water if you find it is too strong). Use a new toothbrush every 8 weeks.





As for the yellowing of the teeth, the dentist will assess that and let you know.





Good luck. And PLEASE do not put this off. It is quite important. You have to get it done sometime, so why put it off?
Reply:the only REMDEY for a cavity is FILLING consult a dentist... get an appointment... and in the mean while STAY AWAY FROM sugary food
Reply:usually they want to see you before you come in to get a filing I think it is to get more money but whatever . there is something called care credit ,it is something so you can pay it monthly ,you half to have good credit to get it or have a co-signer but the interest rate is pretty big but something to check into .
Reply:Check out this dental plan. It can be used the day you sign up, so you can get treated, but wont take a big hit to your wallet. Also, yes having weak enamel does make it easier to get cavities.





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rubber slippers

Cavities in kids?

When I told my 8 year old daughter to brush her teeth tonight she started crying and said that her teeth hurt. I looked in her mouth and was shocked to find what appears to be large cavities in three of her teeth. I don't allow her to eat sweets or drink soda, so I don't know how she got the cavities.





I explained to her that she would have to go to the dentist and get fillings, but she's terrified about going. I have a cavity in my own tooth that I'm aware of and I was thinking about letting her watch me have it filled......but I'm not sure whether seeing the needles and drills would scare her more. Any ideas?





Also, I'm slightly concerned over the worries of amalgam fillings, but we can't afford to go private unless it's absolutely necessary - is there really a risk associated with amalgam?





Thanks in advance for your help. (I'm in the UK by the way, and I don't think we have specialist paediatric dentists over here)

Cavities in kids?
I wouldn't recommend letting her watch you get yours filled. For a couple of reasons... first, the needle and the drill would probably freak her out just a little. Number 2, if for any reason, something goes wrong with your filling, you don't want her there to see that.


What I would do if I were you is schedule an appointment with your dentist for your daughter just to go in and get acquainted with the dental office. Have her go sit in the chair, have the hygienist show her all the instruments and gadgets, and then have the hygienist do a light cleaning on her teeth. This is all very non-invasive and should make your daughter comfortable with the people there. THEN, the dentist can tell you whether she needs fillings or not and if she does, make that appointment then.


As for your other question... there are no dangers with amalgam fillings. People like to exaggerate and scare the public about EVERYTHING, and amalgam fillings just happen to fall into this category. They're safe, long lasting, cost-effective. They're a great option... as long as you don't mind the gray color...


Good luck.
Reply:go to a child dentist they do have them in the UK have the dentist explain everything that will happen
Reply:the silver amalgam is of zero concern, in my opinion. There is a TON of data to support such a statement.





Are these milk teeth? if not permanent ones, this may be a non-starter. My brother sufferred from bad milk teeth, yellow, cavity ridden.... then he lost them and grew a really nice set of teeth.





Certainly need to see a pediatric dentist


Cavities, and bad dental health in child.?

My daughter is 7 years old and has terrible teeth. She has had 4 of her top front teeth capped, due to decay when she was about 3 years old, I have had 3 cavities filled and now 2 more cavities have been found and she has a abscese and dead nerve on a molar that needs to be pulled and replaced with a spacer. Do other parents have these same issues with their childrens teeth? When I talked to the dentist about it, she made it sound like it is normal, I don't believe this. My daughter brushes her teeth every day, she is only allowed pop when we go out ( I don't keep pop in the house) she does not eat a insane amount of sugar and we go to the dentist every 6 months. I have only had 2 cavities my entire life, both after I had kids. Why are her teeth so bad and will her permant teeth follow the same path?

Cavities, and bad dental health in child.?
I understand you say that you guys keep up on the brushing and that she doesnt' have too much sugar.





But no, this is not normal. the good news is that A) it is not unUSUAL B) it is fixable (you guys seem to have access to care, which some kids don't!) and C) it doesn't have to continue....





First , where did it come from? Well, at some point, it's pretty safe to say, she had too much sugar. Perhaps in the form of apple or another juice? check out the back of the label on teh juice bottle - it's almost as much sugar as coke! Any carbohydrate will do it, potentially! Even a child that falls asleep while nursing at mother's breast can develop early childhood caries (aka, "cavities" decay etc).





My suspicion is that at some point (2, 3, 4 yrs old?) there was too much sugar, not enough flossing (yeah, kids need floss! crazy...) and the damage was done...what you've been doing is cleaning up a HISTORICAL problem. This is like if someone smoked for 20 years and then quit and 10 years later gets cancer. This is not meant to be judgemental; it's just a theory.





OK, so moving forward. Make sure she brushes twice a day. Make sure that if there isn't enough fluoride in your water supply, your daughter is getting supplemental (pills or drops) - your dentist can help you w/ this. Make sure that she FLOSSES!!!! Floss floss floss. A tooth is only as strong as the dirtiest part, and if youleave any area uncleaned (included where the teeth touch) thsi is where the decay will come from! Brushing DOESN'T MATTER if you dont' floss. Lastly, try using a daily flouride RINSE, like ACT. I would suggest:


1. floss (at night before bed)


2. brush, then...


3. rinse w/ ACT.





Obviously, minimize soda, but even juices as well.





Some people just have a prediliction for decay. I had all my back teeth filled TWICE by the time I was 22. (but I KNOW this is because I rarely flossed as a teen and I drank too much Mountain Dew, etc etc...)





If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me!
Reply:poor kid. i just went to the dentist today and im still in pain 7 hours later.
Reply:Something is going on that you may not know about.





Contrary to what people think, people dont have "soft" teeth.





Something is causing that decay, and there can only be two things....sugar and plaque.





Brushing is not the answer. Brushing and flossing CORRECTLY is the answer.





Sugar is not only in soda and candy. Amost everything nowadays has sugar. I bought a loaf of 12 grain bread from Aldi the other day. Guess what was in it? High fructose corn syrup!! Never shopping at Aldi again. Anyways, get my drift? Rasins, grapes, fruit snacks, cereals, bananas....all loaded with sugar.








AND YES unless she starts brushing AND flossing properly, especially after meals then YES this will continue on to her permanent teeth.
Reply:sounds like she needs some fluoride treatment to strengthen the enamel. does he dentist do fluoride treatment every six months as well? even if insurance only covers it once a year, pay out of pocket if you can afford it. this problem doesn't sound normal to me.


also be sure she is flossing properly and possibly supervise her brushing to make sure she is doing it the right way and long enough.
Reply:Well, as long as you get them taken care of, her permanent teeth shouldn't follow in the same path, except for maybe the one that has the dead nerve.





If she's not eating too much sugar, or anything like that, possibly check the rest of her diet. Is she drinking enough milk? Taking in enough calcium? Is her body lacking in important vitamins? Maybe it's a vitamin deficency.....I would have a doctor check into it. If that's the case, then yes, it may be normal until it's back on track. Other than that, I don't know what else to tell you. It sounds like you are doing everything you should be with her.
Reply:why dont you brush and floss for her once a day


Medication and cavities? Please read.?

I went to the dentist today for my 6 month cleaning and was amazed to find that I had 5 cavities! The dentist told me that it was probably due to a side effect of my medication which is dry mouth. Has anyone else noticed this link? If so, what medication triggered an outbreak of cavities for you?

Medication and cavities? Please read.?
dry mouth is a common side effect of many meds (such as diuretics) and chemotherapy treatments for cancer.


while the med is serving a helpful purpose, the side effect of dry mouth (xerostomia) depletes the mouth of the natural cleansing and strengthening effect of your saliva, therefore leaving your mouth prone to more cavities and periodontal bone loss.


getting fluoride treatment (to strengthen your teeth) from your dentist or using a daily fluoride rinse, such as ACT, is highly recommended.


there are also mouthrinses and saliva replacements available from the drugstore, such as Oasys or Biotene to help with the dry mouth.


Does getting cavities filled hurt?

i have to get 2 cavities filled on Tuesday and i am so so so so scared. i have never had a cavity before. i'm 18 years old if that makes any difference. i'm so scared of the dentist, i want to cry when i even think about it....

Does getting cavities filled hurt?
Don't worry it isn't that bad. I had my first when I was seven (14 years ago) and have had 7 more since. Before the injection is given a small blob of numbing gel is appied to the gum so when the needle is inserted you won't feel it, as the anesthetic is injected you will feel a bit of pressure and a slight stinging sensation which lasts 5-10 seconds. Once you are good and numb the decay is drilled out, the drill is a bit noisy, like an electric tootbrush only it goes a lot faster and makes more of a whirring noise. Once the decay is out the filling material will be put in and smoothed down. You will be asked to bite doen several times to make sure it fits nice and snuggly with your top teeth and that there are no sharp edges. Next a blue light his held in place for 30 seconds to harden the material and that's it. The anesthetic will make your mouth feel big and it will be difficult to eat and drink so wait at least half an hour before attemting to do that. You will probably be numb for an hour or two but massaging the are does help.





The denist will check in with every few minutes to make sure you are ok and not feeling anything. If you do feel anything raise a hand and stop him and he will injection some more anesthetic. If you need to rest your mouth again rasie a hand and they will be more that happy to stop and let you have a rest.





I have a couple done without anesthetic and I wouldn't reccomend it.





Good Luck, Be Brave
Reply:The shot they give you to numb it hurts a bit...but then you dont feel anything...dont be scared, it will be ok. I promise! Get it filled now before you end up needing a root canal...YUCK!
Reply:They will give you a shot of novocaine, so you won't feel anything. For me that is always the worst part, but it is over very quicky. If you are really that scared, you may want to call and see if they have nitrous oxide available for patients with anxiety. (They will charge extra for this though)
Reply:They take a needle and poke it into your gum. :O


But..it doesn't hurt actually.


People always complain about how badly the needles hurt and stuff.


You feel a little sting but that should be about it.


It can also depend on how well you can take pain.


I think them numbing it feels good lol.


But..that's just me and I can take pain easily.


When they fill the actual cavity, you won't be able to feel a thing.


If you do..then there's a problem. ;)


Good luck. (:
Reply:I've worked as a dental assistant and I'll be honest with you. It depends on the size of the cavities. Sounds like you've done a great job taking care of teeth, so they're probably tiny superficial cavities. =) They probably want to clean and fill them before they get bigger.





Tiny cavities don't require numbing, however without numbing (since you are worried about the pain) will feel more "sour-ish" if the nerves in your teeth are stimulated. The pain is different than normal pain, it's not like a pinch on the skin nor is it like a needle prick. But then again you might not feel a thing because the cavities are superficial. You can ask the dentist to numb the area (with needle,spray,paste, whatever they have in the office) if it makes you feel better. It'll be fine. Keep up the fabulous care with your teeth =D
Reply:no its not bad at all, you can prolly take some music/player to listen to while its being filled

computer security

11 cavities formed in 6 months! Is that even possible?

I am 34 years old, and I have never had a cavity in my life. Going to the dentist has always been a good experience for me. My dentist that I really liked has now retired, and a new dentist has taken over her place.





This new dentist says that I have 11 cavities in my mouth, 9 of which he says are level 3 cavities or something. The other 2 he says are very small, and we can wait to fill them.





Is it even possible for 11 cavities this bad to form within 6 months? I really like the new dentist, but can't figure out what may have happened.

11 cavities formed in 6 months! Is that even possible?
Hi Mitch.





It Is possible as such but its highly unlikely.


Ignore those who say dentistry is a license to print money etc,thats not helpful.


And I'm not just saying that because I'm a dentist.


I do feel you should visit another dentist for a second opinion.This much decay in a short time is unusual.


Unless, for any reason,your last dentist wasn't on the ball on these matters?But thats even more unlikely.


Have you had any viral infections in this time?


If you have had no cavities up to the age you are now it goes without saying you have excellent oral hygiene,and probably genetically good teeth too..its strange you now face this problem.


Seciond opinion definitely.You might let us know how you get on?


good luck


Paul
Reply:Yes its possible. it could be that you had the cavities were really small before and your other dentist never really told you about it..





Good Luck





Bcn_mimosa
Reply:dentistry is the latest form of a licence to print money. I had experience some years ago when this VG dentist performed one op to fill a tooth. 6 years later he performed 4 ops for one tooth, ie- 4 times the charge. This is based on personal experience and my comment is justified.
Reply:Many dentists are now using lasers to detect cavities that traditional poking around might miss. That may be one factor?





My mom did not get her first cavity until she was over 60! Now, a few years later, she's got a whole bunch of fillings. I wonder if teeth become less resistant to cavities as they age. Maybe you are wearing down the enamel by grinding.





Did you ask the dentist what his opinion was?
Reply:yes it it possible, but considering its a new dentist, i would get a secon opinion.
Reply:Yes, it's very possible. I got 6 in 6 months once. It could also be your new dentist. get a second opinion.
Reply:Definitely get a second opinion. Unfortunately, there are many greedy, unethical dentists out there. This person may be one of them. Don't let someone ruin your teeth just so they can drive a better car.


I'm getting 5 cavities removed! The dentisit said that I should get shots for them?

Does it hurt? DO they do a couple of the cavities at once or one every appointment? My dentist said this is bcause I just got my braces off and a lot of kids who have just gotten their braces off tend to have cavities. Is it better to take the shot or just go without it? Does removing the cavities and filling it hurt after you take the shot at all?

I'm getting 5 cavities removed! The dentisit said that I should get shots for them?
You have to have a shot to numb the area that the dentist needs to drill/fill. If the cavities are small enough, the dentist will not numb, 9 out 10 chance you will get a shot. I would rather have a shot, then feel the entire drilling and filling process in 5 teeth!





In regards to if they will be able to fill them in one appointment or not depends on the dentist and where the teeth are. If they are close together, then most likely they can be done in one appointment. If they are spread out across your mouth with at least one tooth in each quadrant needing treatment, then you will probably need two appointment.
Reply:They will probably do several at at time and the injection is not bad, they may offer you Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to relax you...
Reply:They numb up your gums with a topical anesthetic before giving you the shots so they don't hurt much. It is not as bad as getting a shot in the arm. You don't feel any pain during the drilling but many people find the sensation as the drugs wear off unpleasant.





I imagine it would be painfull to get your teeth drilled without it so you should probably get numbed up. Very few dentists will use nitrous oxide for fillings.
Reply:I didn't have cavaties when I had my braces off... shots doesn't hurt ... I have had cavaties filled twice ... at first it made me feel dizzy and nauseous because I didn't eat the second time because one fell out and they did the shots again I felt fine. They filled all my cavaties at once. Your mouth with feel numb for a while ... I will reccomend you take the shots .. I am not a dentist but I had mine drilled a little.

Jewelry

Hate cavities and i want them to stop?

everytime i goto the dentist, i always get cavities. like 2 years ago i never get them but now i am. i brush 2 times a day and use Crest mouthwash but i still get cavities. My mom gets extremely mad everytime i get a cavity cause she has to pay alot of money and she gets mad at me and takes money out of my allowance, even though i brush alot and try to avoid sweets. is there any other ways to stop or prevent cavities? its costin me money and its also making my mom yell at me.

Hate cavities and i want them to stop?
The reason for cavities according to studies are BACTERIA. How come your still getting cavities that are making your teeth awful even if your brushing?





The answer would be on how proper you brush your teeth? Bacterias hide in your tongue, crevices and other corners of your mouth we often overlooked. Try also checking about your water? are you getting too much floride content in it? Because we have a rising problem about that, the water has exceeding floride content that its making the residents white teeth turned into yellow. You can also ask the dentist just for advice about what you can do with your problem. Thanks. May my answer help you
Reply:Most of your cavities are probably starting between your teeth. You must not be flossing. You should try to floss a few days a week. Everyday is recommended but thats just a pain in the ***.
Reply:First, most people brush their teeth but not enough. Keep a toothbrush with you at all times. Also, floss and use a pre-dental rinse.


I know you said you are trying to avoid sweets. Keep in mind different types of candy have different effects on teeth. If you suck on hard candy or eat chocolates with caramel that will stick to teeth, they will have a worse effect than if you just munched a handful of MnMs.
Reply:Make sure you floss regularly and properly. Drink plenty of water and ask your dentist for the sealant on your molars to help protect your teeth from cavities.





Some people are just more prone to cavities, sorry to say.
Reply:stop eatin candy


Cavities in 3-year-old?

My 3-year-old just had cavities filled 2 weeks ago. We went to a pediatric dentist. His teeth are very rough where she filled the cavities. The fillings are not smooth against his teeth. Is this normal? Also, is there anything else I can do to prevent more cavities. We started brushing his teeth when his first tooth came in, he never went to sleep with a bottle, we don't let him eat a lot of sweets, and always brush his teeth twice a day. I feel awful that he has cavities at only 3, but I don't know what else to do to help prevent them. I have even used "Agent Blue" to help show the plaque, so I know I'm getting them clean when we brush. Does genetics have anything to do with it? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cavities in 3-year-old?
You may need to make another appointment to have the fillings smoothed out. They are supposed to be smooth but it's hard to tell when the patient is numb and they can't necessarily feel their teeth. I would definitely reccomend having sealants placed on his teeth...this will prevent new cavities from forming. Genetics do play a part in oral hygiene so it's not like you're doing a bad job. Sounds like you're doing all the right things. Just keep teaching him the importance of good oral hygiene and how to brush and floss correctly. It's all you can really do. Definitely check on getting those sealants though. They really help.
Reply:Have you discussed all this with your dentist? It sounds like you are doing everything right. I have never heard of this happening. Did the dentist use fluoride to prevent further cavities? It is important to do regular checkups even though these are baby teeth, eventually the permanent teeth will come in, but to make sure the permanent teeth are healthy the baby teeth must be monitered regularly.
Reply:I had the same problem when I was a kid. I brush every time after I eat a meal or something sweet but I get cavities all the time. When I was smaller my parents asked my dentist if I was brushing right or not, and he said that I was doing it right.


My brothers don't have cavities as much as I do and their teeth are great but mine aren't. My cousins and aunts on my mother's side have the same problem. So I always thought it is genetic.
Reply:this rufness lonly made bige probleme because it make every thing he eat will stagnated to tooth surface so increase the possibility of tooth decay,so must be removed any ruffness %26amp;tooth become smooth.this done in dental clinc,for prevention further other caries theres other way specially for child which called in dentistry (pit%26amp;fissure sealling)that by dentist do small tooth surface scrub %26amp;filling with special white material special for this way %26amp;he do that just when tooth eruption,yes if u ask about genetics they have relation like other things
Reply:If it bothers him to chew or bite down, then


see your dentist to smooth out the roughness- he should do that at no charge. As a previous posted mentioned, its hard to be sure how smooth the filling is on a child.





The 3 things you can do to help keep cavities to a minimum:


1. Healthy Diet


2. Brush and Floss


3. See you dentist 2x a year.





One of the biggest contributers to childhood cavities is juice, especially in a sippy cup or bottle. Every time it is reintroduced into the mouth, its like a power surge for the bacteria. It's almost better to sit and eat a lollipop and brush after, that it is to nurse a cup/bottle of juice over hours.


Also, check to see if your childs water is fluoridated, and if it is, that he is drinking the water, or things that are made with the water. If no, he should be taking a fluoride supplement.





Brushing and flossing- at 3 you should be "helping" him by brushing after he is done to make sure he got all of his teeth.


They also have some fun flossers to help kids want to floss.





A child should see a dentist for his first regular appt betweem 2-3, but can be seen before then, if you suspect a problem. As you know now, kids can get cavities as soon as they are erupted. My Dr. takes children to the hospital to repair their teeth under general anesthesia due to the sheer number and severity of cavities, in children as young as 1 year. It is a tragedy in this county that so many youngsters suffer from dental problems because of the misconception that "they are JUST baby teeth". Some of these baby teeth dont fall out till they are 12, can if left untreated could result in root canals and crowns.





Even if you follow those 3 guildlines, there is still no guarantee that you/your child will be cavity free, but you greatly reduce the chances.





I applaud you for taking your child to the dentist and encouraging good habits.
Reply:If previous posters really worked in pedo, then they know that the fillings may have been left a little rough because the dentist was in a hurry to finish. 3-year-olds have notoriously short attention spans in the dental chair, even if they are perfect at home. To avoid the screaming fit that many children have in a pedo office, fillings are often not polished to the degree that they are in adults. Ask your dentist about it, but it may not be worth putting your son in the chair again just to have them polished. It may be something that can be done as part of a regular visit in the future. You don't want to push your luck and have him decide he hates the dentist over a couple rough spots.





The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends restricting juice intake to less than 6 oz per day for children under six. Sleeping with the bottle is not the only problem. If you let your son have a sippy cup with juice during the day, it is just as bad as at night. Always follow juice or milk with water and keep up the brushing.





Susceptibility to cavities is not truly genetic, but it is "hereditary". Cavities are caused by bacteria. We're not born with those bacteria, though, so where do they come from? Mom and Dad. When our children put there hands in our mouths or we kiss them or we share utensils or anything else that could transfer those bacteria, they get them. Some people have bacteria that are weak, some are strong. This is why people will say "my family always has bad teeth" or "my family has strong teeth". It's often not the teeth, it's the virulence of the strain of bacteria. There are tests for this, and you pediatric dentist may be able to take a sample and have it checked if you are concerned. It's not cheap though.





Good luck. Being concerned is the most important thing. a couple fillings in a three year old is totally normal. But, if you keep up the hard work they may be his last.
Reply:No, it´s not normal... it should be smooth and imperceptible...





If your kid has problems with cavities, try "ACT KIDS" it´s a mouth wash by Johnson %26amp; Johnson... works great.... always after the teeth brush, but anyway, ask your pediatric dentist first...





Most of the problems with cavities are because the saliva acidity and diet, forget about genetics...





Good luck!
Reply:I dont agree with many of the posters who say tooth decay is not hereditary. Some people have enamel that is thinner or even missing in places. I know because my nephew ( who is just 1 1/2 years old ) has teeth that were damaged as soon as they erupted....they came in bad. His father has the same problem as does his paternal grandmother. No amount of brushing, flossing, and dental visits will change it ! And diet wasnt a factor either since he was completely breast fed until his teeth erupted. You can only keep doing the same things...and get regular check-ups to stay ahead of the game. I would recommend getting the sealants for your childs teeth too. Sealants are only done on adult teeth....but can be done are soon as they erupt. Also I wouldnt bother getting the fillings smoothed out unless they are bothering the child. Its not really worth the hassle for teeth that will eventually fall out.


Having cavities filled on front teeth?

ok so i jus got back from the dentist and it turns out i have a few cavities. two are up top on tooths number 4 and 5 (upper front teeth) and one is on a lower front tooth. he said they were average size. i;ve had cavities filled before on the lower back teeth but i;ve never had them on front teeth or slighly front teeth. where do they give the shot, and does the shot hurt more there or the back of the mouth. if u guys could let me kno. that'd be great. thanks

Having cavities filled on front teeth?
Im waiting to see the answer... I also have one cavity on a front tooth that Im getting fixed soon. The only other ones have been on my back teeth so Im not sure what this will be like
Reply:Ouch!! The shot does hurt a little more for the front teeth because it gets injected right around the nose area and it feels like its going up your nose!! But it gets really numb and feels so weird!! I dont know about the bottom tho...
Reply:the top teeth will be anesthetized individually. the bottom teeth will be anesthetized by a shot in the back of the mouth (the same place that they give the shot for lower back teeth) Half your lower jaw and tongue will get numb. It's hard to say if one hurts more than the other, but neither one should be too bad. Good Luck!

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Cavities between teeth?

So I guess I haven't been flossing as often as I should.......I went to the dentist today for my annual checkup, she did some x-rays and turns out I have 3 cavities, all between my teeth - in fact they're like double cavities because they're affecting both teeth each time which really sucks, it means technically she'll be drilling and filling SIX teeth!!





Anyway, I've had a few cavities filled before, but they've all been in the top off my teeth, on the chewing surface, this is the first time I've had any between my teeth. I was just wondering, how do they actually fill cavities between your teeth? And where do they drill? Do they drill in from the side or what?

Cavities between teeth?
They'll be drilled similar to how the others were done, only from the 'top' they'll go towards the side... hard to explain, would be easier if I could draw a pic!





:)
Reply:if they are between the teeth they will drill on the side of the tooth as much as they need to, then put a sort of very thin plastic separator between your teeth so that the distance between them stays the same and fill. take the plastic thingy out and you're ready to go.
Reply:Hope this link helps you with all information regarding your teeth.Try out http://useinfo-dentalcare.blogspot.com/ for more details.


Cavities in kids?

My daughter is 8 years old and I took her to the dentist last week for a check up and found out she has 4 cavities, which we're going to have to get filled after Christmas. She's pretty anxious about it, if anyone has been in a similar situation, what have you done to calm your kid down and get them through it?





Also, what age was your child when they got their first cavities? I feel terrible that my daughter has cavities at the age of 8, but my neighbours kids have all had cavities practically since their teeth came through.

Cavities in kids?
Well, if you are taking your daughter to a pediatric dentist ( one who specializes in only seeing chidlren ) then they have plenty of awesome techniques they use to help calm chidren down. One thing you may want to ask the dentist is if they can use Nitrous Oxide on her. This is harmless and it will help relax her while she is in the office. It is not a drug, it is a gas. If she is really anxious and cannot calm down, in some cases they will prescribe " kiddie cocktails" to help relieve anxiety in children. Again, that is usually just a mild sedative and will knock the child completely out...think of it is the equivalent of a glass of wine.





One thing you can also do is not to beat yourself up about the decay. Have the dentist or hygienist talk to her while she is at her appt. and let them teach her good brushing and flossing skills. Also, make sure you are taking your children for regular cleanings and checkups. One other thing to consider is talking to her dentist about placing sealants on her permanent molars and even bicuspids. This is a sealant protectant that is basically painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where there are deep pits and fissures ( a great place for deacy to set in ) These will help seal the tooth and help in preventing decay. The procedure for placing sealants is not at all painful and usually can be done by the hygienist in some states where it is allowed and usually takes about 15-30 minutes.
Reply:my son is 7 and had to have a tooth removed, ouch, but he was a big boy and went all by himself


he too has cavities, and he goes back by himself and does not fuss


around here if a child squirms in the seat the dentist will not see him anymore and will not finish the work he started--which is incredibly rude! anyway





boost her confidence, tell her she can be a big girl and go back all by herself like -some kid she really looks up to-- or you


tell her she will get a treat--not candy (obviously!) i take my son across the street to target and let him pick something out, i just give him a dollar amount he is allowed to spend.


usually works with him





the dentist usually do a good job of numbing their mouths first, my son freaked when the needle was sticking into his skin and that was it.





good luck to you, i hope she is ok
Reply:I was shocked when my daughter had 4 too. The biggest problem is between the teeth (hers were all on the teeth edges). Just buy a container of floss and start teaching her to use it. We also bought our kids a children's mouthwash. I felt like a bad parent when they said she had so many. I guess it just happens. But at least the other kids won't go through that. I learned my lesson! Its just sad that my oldest has the fillings to show for my lesson.
Reply:Neither of my two have any cavities yet - they're 20 and 16
Reply:I really think good teeth either run in the family or they don't. I am sure this is not scientifically founded, but it is just from my experience. My ex husband and his family all had good brushing habits, yet they ended up with cavities at a young age. Myself and my brothers... one of my brothers (age 29) has never had a cavity. My other brother has only had 2 (age 32) his whole life. I never had a cavity utntil after I had my daughter at age 29. Since then, I've had 2 more. We all had excellent brushing habits and good teeth care, we just had better luck I guess. I don't have any advice for you as I've never had to take a child to the dentist with a cavity. Good luck! But don't feel bad, I am sure there are many other parents who instill good brushing habits in their kids and they still get a cavity. You didn't do anything wrong.
Reply:good dental hygeine starts before a tooth appears. Get babies use to having a little paste smeared onto the gum with a soft cloth as teething begins. This gets them used to cleaning teeth as early as possible. once teeth apear brush PROPERLY twice a day for 3 mins each time, use childrens mouthwash after and teeth should be fine. All my family have only ever done this. No cavities No nothing apart from beautiful white strong teeth. Also drink at least a pint of milk a day
Reply:My son age 6 is when he had his first cavity, and he actually did very well. I was surprised. My other son was 8 and doesnt have problems with his teeth like my middle son., but he did have one cavity. Just tell your daughter that it will be over with quickly and it really wont hurt. My son told me that he didnt feel a thing and didnt mind going again the next time.
Reply:My 7 year old son had his first filling on Friday. I told the dentist that he was nervous and the dentist took a lot of time showing him all the different instruments and tools. He did not give him any injections and there was no problem at all.
Reply:You can have a cavity at any age
Reply:my son is special needs therefore it's extremly hard to brush his teeth {autistic children are verry strong and stubourn} at the age of 3 he had 4 fillings and 1 tooth removed...he was gently sedated and and had the fillings and the extraction done all at once. now everything's fine.
Reply:Both of my sons went through this. They both took lots of antibiotics when they were young. My youngest son had 4 front teeth that were absest. Go to a pediatric dentist, they know how to work with kids. My youngest still doesn't like the dentist, but who really does. He has great teeth now and all the baby teeth that were bad are now gone. We did spacers and the whole nine yards to make sure his teeth are the best they can be. I tell him that girls notice those things. He is eleven now and just thinking of girls. That also keeps him brushing.
Reply:MY daughter has no cavities.Do not make an issue of it. The more you talk about it the more anxious she will become.Let her enjoy Christmas and deal withthe issue after.All you can do is to reassure her. Tell her that the dentist is there to help her teeth be better. From my own experience I was told that we were going to the dentist until the morning.I guess my mum thought it would beless petrifying.I had fillings.Tell her that dentists are notthat scary.
Reply:I can't help much for sure with the first part of the question since my kids are only 2 %26amp; 3, However, I believe they will be much less anxious about it if you talk with them about it. Explain that thier teeth have got little holes that need to be fixed. If they don't get fixed they will get bigger and bigger and then they will really start to hurt. Tell them that the Dentist is there to help them fix the teeth so they don't have to be VERY painful later.





Reassure your child that you will be with them and that they have nothing to worry about. If you talk to the dentist and let them know your child is anxious, I suspect that they will be understanding and let you hold their hand or something to comfort your child and help them to get through the process.





My 3 year old has a cavity. I was surprised to discover this since I thought we are taking good care of their teeth. We don't give them much sugary food or snacks, we try to give them mostly healthy snacks such as fruit with occasional crackers or cookies. Also, we choose snacks that are from health food stores that are lower is sugar, and are made with organic ingredients. We only give them water and occasionally fruit juices or a little bit of tea(all organic). and we brush their teeth thoroughly at night.





In order to make the experience at the dentist's office easier, the dentist recommended that each time when brushing the our kid's teeth, we should "get into their mouth" poke around, examine, floss and such similar to what the dentist might be doing so that they are used to that when it comes time for the dentist to work on their teeth.


I hope this helps...
Reply:tell her that the dentist will take care of her. She will have an injection to numb her gum so she cant feel anything and ring ahead to let the dentist know you would like him/her to use the gel to numb the gum before the needle. Stay beside your daughter and tell her to squeeze your hand whenever she is scared and you will be there for her. I have yet to go through this but I definitely feel for you (and her)
Reply:I recommend buying some of Listerine's "Agent Blue" childrens mouthwash. Have them brush their teeth and then (possibly with help) use the mouthwash as directed and look at their teeth. The areas where the teeth are blue is where she needs to work on brushing better. Also, flossing is great, so I would buy some children's floss tools. An example of what I mean are shown at this link: http://www.dentist.net/floss-children.as... I know we have used the Oral B flossers that are dinosaur shaped, and our kids seem to have an easier time with those. The Den-Tek with flouride is great as well. In fact, you might want to ask your dentist whether or not your daughter should be on flouride tablets. I know my 9 yr. old used to be on those before she started the flouride rinse at school and it's in her toothpaste. The only other suggestions I can make are the obvious ones. Try to avoid soda or at least limit to small amounts. (I have to admit mine have soda more often than they should.) The big plus my kids have is that they love fruit and veggies so that's pretty much what they all choose as an afterschool snack. Other than that...I don't really know what to tell you. Hope some of that helps! Have a good holiday!!
Reply:hey dont worry.My son is 4 and has had 4 teeth taking out and had a filling last month.His teeth are weak and no i dont feed him sugery foods he eat VERY healthy dont worry
Reply:It all down to diet! Most pre-made foods and take outs have additives and preservatives which cause cavities! My three older children who are 16, 20, 24 have never had a cavity! The two year old has been for a check up, but being milk teeth the trip was merely getting her used to future trips!


I would explain to her that he is going to fix the holes, so that she doesn't get any terrible toothache! Explain to her that if the teeth get left, she will end up with horrible brown teeth which hurt. It is unfortunately a horrible thing ... I have a phobia of dentists, and when my older ones used to go as younger kids, I would be there, hold there hand, and just leave the talking to the dentist and his assistant. I am sure ifyou tell the surgery before hand that she is a little anxious, they will do all they can to reassure her!
Reply:Don't feel bad. Sometimes no matter what you do if you or her father have bad teeth then it's genetic. It would help if you flossed her teeth once a day and make sure you are brushing her teeth well.


The dentist should reassure her that there is nothing to worry about.


I have been a dental nurse for 5 years and for your daughter to have a few cavities at this age really is nothing to worry about. I have seen a LOT worse!


Try not to get too anxious yourself because she will pick up on that and worry about it even more. Try not to make a big thing about it and tell her there is nothing to worry about the dentist is just going to take away the bad stuff and put something in so she doesn't have a hole. It feels like he is tickling your teeth.


When you get to the dentist tell him that she is a bit worried and he should be able to put her at ease.


The promise of a small treat afterwards always helps!


Small cavities go away??

do small cavities just go away if you keep the area really clean?





if they don't, why do dentists refuse to fill some small/shallow cavities? aren't they essentially just waiting for them to get bigger?

Small cavities go away??
If it is indeed a cavity no it will not go away only get larger and your dentist should fill it- If you have a dentist that doesn't want to address your problem then I think that I would find a new dentist (one that cares about my teeth) After all your smile is one of the first things people notice about you .Hope that this helps
Reply:If you floss twice a day and brush three times a day, no even small cavities will not go away.





Small cavities may seem like they go away but they will get bigger once you have them. This can be called delayed pain reaction because our teeth are so thick it takes time for a small cavity to get to the root.





If a dentist refuses to fill a cavity then get another opinion from another dentist.





Yes, a dentist is obliged to make your teeth as well as he can get them because you are a paying customer.
Reply:Yes and no. Let's start with some lingo:





A cavity is a hole


Caries is a disease process





Often when a dentist says "You have a cavity" he really means you have caries and there is no true cavitation (the bugs are there but there is not a hole). In this case the caries can in a sense "go away" and you could have arrested caries (the bugs are dead, there's no hole, but you have a weakened area of the tooth). If this is small enough and usually limited to just the enamel (outer hard surface) your dentist might decide that it would cause greater damage to your tooth to fill it than to leave it alone (dentists have to cut away some healthy tooth structure to prepare a filling) . They may just keep it under observation until they see you again (especially if you're good on your oral hygiene) - in a sense they're waiting for it to get bigger (if it does get bigger, but like I said sometimes the carious process can arrest/stop)





If you have a true cavity (hole) then this won't go away and it will need to be filled. You can't keep the hole clean and so more than likely the carious process will continue in that space. This warrants all the cutting of healthy tooth because the carious process could go all the way to the root canal.





Hope this helps.

dress shoes

Tooth cavities?

i have lots of tiny cavities in my teeth and i also have braces.


i'm going to the dentist soon and i am scared because i have always had good teeth


i think the reason i got cavities is because of my dry mouth but i'm not relly sure


i'm scared. any advice for me??

Tooth cavities?
The worst case, if you think you have small cavities, then you'll have small fillings. Remember, small cavities are easier to take care of than 1 large cavity/root canal. So if you think you have any problem areas go ahead and ask the dentist.





As for your dry mouth, well I'm assuming that you just need to drink more water. Some people can get dry mouths when they're taking multiple drugs (heart medication, cholesterol medication, insulin, etc) but I'm assuming you don't fit in that category. Keep a glass of water by your night stand in case you get thirsty and keep a bottle of water with you during the day.





If you're worried about cavities, then in addition to brushing and flossing (either with super floss or waterpik which your dentist will know about) you can rinse with ACT flouride rinse (I recommend bubble gum flavor) at night to help aid in preventing cavities.
Reply:relax. the dentist will take care of it.
Reply:don't worry you will get anestetics it doesn't hurt at all.


6 cavities?

I went to the dentist several months ago, and after looking at my x-ray, he said that I had 6 small cavities. I never had a cavity before, so it shocked me when I found out. I never got them filled because I'm terrified of shots, and, my dentist said that since the cavities were so small and minor, I didn't have to get them filled, because he would have to drill bigger holes in my teeth in order to do so.


Do you think it's safe to try to maintain the cavities at the size they are instead of getting them filled? I notice that I have slight sensitivity to sweets. Is it possible to prevent the cavities from becoming worse?

6 cavities?
EWWW please go to the dentist! Your teeth could get worse and have to eventually get pulled!!! I had 2 small cavities and got them drilled out and filled in about 25 minutes! It is not safe to maintain the cavities unless you want your teeth to be pulled out! The only way I think is to brush floss and use mouthwash all with cavity protected stuff on the paste and rinse but they still could get worse





SAVE your teeth.....go to the dentist





Going to the dentist to get cavities removed is not that bad.....you will be swollen for a couple of hours then good as new!! After you get a cavity on one tooth they seal it so it will not get any more!! Cavities on your teeth are not your fault!! Its just how the tooth forms....Cavities in between your teeth are your fault!! Ask your dentist and get them filled!!!
Reply:Definitely lay off the sugar and try not to eat on those teeth... but that's pretty impossible.
Reply:it doesnt hurt. the shots dont hurt because they rub some stuff on ur gums. and they get really numb. then they numb ur sides. so it pretty much doesnt hurt. just close ur eyes when they are drilling. if u dont get them fixed right now, they will get worse. and pretty soon u will need crowns and evrything


Can braces cause cavities in my situation?

My dentist recommended me to get braces to correct my bite. I have this small hole on the side of my molar, that is likely to be covered by a bracket from the braces. My dentist told me that it is not a cavity yet. The braces will likely to prevent me from cleaning that spot. Will I develop a full blown cavity later? And are braces generally likely to cause cavities to develop?





Thanks.

Can braces cause cavities in my situation?
Just get your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist before getting your braces. After that, all you can do with braces on is brush and floss really really well. They'll still take x-rays of your teeth while you have braces on, and if it turns into a cavity, they can always pop the bracket off, fill the cavity, and then replace the bracket. It's not a big deal.
Reply:You should have that small hole taken care of before the braces, especially if a bracket will be blocking it. And while braces don't directly cause cavities, it is likely a few will develop, depending on how long your treatment is. (i.e. I had mine for six years *cringe, nausea* and I had three cavities waiting for me)


For me it was worth it because I had a really nice smile afterwards, for you it's hard to say.


Good luck.
Reply:Most likely yes it will become a cavity because you can't clean it well and food will get stuck in there. My suggestion is to maybe get it filled with this sand stuff like I had and talk to your dentist about it.





Best of luck to you.

Baby Teeth

Braces and cavities??

Hi! I'm going to get my braces off soon, and I really hope that I won't have any cavities, which I think I might have a few, but my family members don't think I will. Anyways, I just have a few questions about cavities under braces.


1. Can you always tell if you have a cavity under a bracket?


2. What color would the cavity be?


3. Do a lot of people have cavities under braces?


4. How much does it cost to fill a cavity that was once under a bracket?





Thank you very much.

Braces and cavities??
Yes and No. It takes awhile for a cavity to start. Abrown spot or dark area could be a cavity but also could be stain.


Some people experience cavities while in braces because oral hygiene is harder to maintain. I reccomend brushing and using special floss threaders under brackets. Also a good flouride toothpaste. Most people still are under the care of a general dentist while still in braces, which means 6month checkups and flouride treatments. Your orthodontist should also inform you of any irregularities in visits(since he or she may see you on a more regular visit.)


Regular hygiene maitance(cleanings/xrays/flouride) 2x yearly are less expensive than letting them go and having lots of restorative work done


Hygiene 2xz year-88-120 a visit


fillings(composite or white fills,depending on how many surfaces it covers the tooth (how big) can be 100 and up(thats just one tooth!)


Insurance helps also.


Hope this helps


Braces and cavities?

Hi! I'm going to get my braces off soon, and I really hope that I won't have any cavities, which I think I might have a few, but my family members don't think I will. Anyways, I just have a few questions about cavities under braces.


1. Can you always tell if you have a cavity under a bracket?


2. What color would the cavity be?


3. Do a lot of people have cavities under braces?


4. How much does it cost to fill a cavity that was once under a bracket?





Thank you very much.

Braces and cavities?
Cavities under a bracket are highly unlikely. The bracket is cemented on with a bonded resin. There will be no decay under it if bonding was done correctly. The issue with braces is that people tend to be unable to clean all areas of the teeth as well as when they didn't have the braces. Also, flossing is definitely much more difficult. While wearing the braces, cavities/decay may develop between the teeth or on the outer surfaces because of the inability and difficulty associated with brushing/flossing with wires and brackets in the mouth.


After removal of the brackets and all of the underlying resin, you'll get a thorough exam and cleaning. New xrays will show any new areas of concern. Also, with the brackets and wires removed, the dentist will have direct visualization of all areas for a complete evaluation.


So, to answer your questions:


1. No. You will not have any cavities under the bracket itself. Sometimes brackets can leave a decalcified zone around it after removal. this would look like a faint white ring around the area where the brackets once were...


2. Cavities are usually brown, yellow, or black. Sometimes, cavities can appear as a white spot as well.


3. No--not directly under the bracket. But, a lot of people do end up with cavities that developed during their orthodontic treatment from a lack of brushing and flossing daily and a high-sugar diet.


4. The cost of such treatment is highly variable. A simple cavity is a minimum of $75-$100. Larger ones can go for upwards of $300. Of course if a root canal or a crown is need, the fees are in the thousands.





Don't worry. If you did a decent job of cleaning your teeth and flossing while wearing the braces, you'll be fine.





Also, REMEMBER THAT YOU WILL HAVE TO WEAR YOUR RETAINERS FOREVER OTHERWISE YOUR TEETH WILL ATTEMPT TO RETURN TO SOMETHING CLOSE TO THEIR ORIGINAL POSITIONS!!!


Cavities restored by miracle?

how can cavities filled my mirical i want my cavities in my mouth what kind of foods can i eat or drink that wont cause cavities how does brushing affect in open cavities does it cause more harm then good is there a mouth wash to help restore or toothpase that i will restore the cavities

Cavities restored by miracle?
Periods are your friend. Go to school please so that people have a clue what you are saying.
Reply:oh my god this answer is so hilarious but true. Report It

Reply:No one but your dentist can restore your cavities, and even he sometimes is powerless depending on the size of them. See a dentist before it is too late.


Cavities - really scared?

I'm 15 and I had braces on my teeth (top and bottom) for 2 years and I thought I looked after my teeth well, but I got my braces taken off a few days ago and the orthodontist said that I have some cavities (at least 3 that he could see) and I need to go to my dentist and get fillings. My mum has made me an appointment with the dentist in a few weeks but I'm really scared because I've never had cavities before and I really don't want to get fillings.





What will actually happen at the dentist? Will it hurt if I have to get fillings? Do they always need to give you an injection in your mouth before it? Can anyone please explain exactly what happens??

Cavities - really scared?
I've had plenty of cavities filled.





Yes, you will get an injection of Novocaine. The needle is very small. You will feel a pinch for about 10 to 15 seconds. A few minutes later that area of your mouth will go numb. Then the dentist will do some drilling with a machine that has a kind of a high pitched sound coming from it. That usually lasts about 5 to 7 minutes. There is no pain and you can't even feel the drilling itself. Then, the dentist will use a plastic type tool to install the filling and apply some pressure so that the filling bonds with the tooth that you have left. After that, the dentist will use a brush to apply a liquid over the filling which hardens within a few minutes. This is something like the enamel on your teeth.





The Novocaine will wear off in about 3 to 5 hours. Your gum will feel a little tender for the rest of the day.





I hope this eases your fears. Good luck.
Reply:dont worry although i am a coward on things like this my son has never had an injection at the dentist but has had a few fillings and assures me it does not hurt.He is 36 years old.


I can say that the last time I went to the dentist and had an injection i really did not feel a thing so nowadays it really does not hurt.
Reply:I have only had a cavity onece and it was on my baby tooth and what the do is give you a shot in the side of your mouth and drill fillings in. Really the only bad part about it is the shot it depend on what kind of dentist you have though some give the shot painfully and some you dont even know that they gave you a shot until your whole mouth is numb! So GL And brush and floss more often!
Reply:They will get rid of the manky bit of tooth, and fill it with some resin. If you want to, you can have a pain killing injection. I usually don't bother. Having a filling without an injection does hurt, but it's not too bad really.


If you have cavities, then it is best to get them sorted out now, if you leave them, they will get bigger, and then getting them fixed will hurt more.


I'm sure you'll be fine.
Reply:aww i had my 1st and only filling when i was 13 and wow it was something i would never want to go through again!





first they give you an injection that numbs it up so u can't feel anything. Then they dry the teeth near it with a vaccum like thing and put a little drill in the hole to clean it. This tickles a bit but i was nearly in tears as i was so young! Then they put in the filling. Then a rinse out with pink water.





After that you go home and your mouth is numb for the next ages. Careful not to bite your mouth as it will hurt after the numbness wears off. When your mouth begins to hurt it shows the numbness is wearing off.





After all that you just want to brush your teeth over and over again to prevent any more!





Good luck x
Reply:you can have an injection which will take away nearly all the pain, they then clean and fill the tooth. It does not take long and with modern dentistry today its nothing to worry about!
Reply:don't worry hunny, if you are nervous the dentist will put an anaesthetic cream on your gum before she inject the local anaesthetic. she'll then wait for it to kick in and test whether it has or not. don't worry...the most painfull bit is the injection....after that...once it works then you won't feel a thing. it's perfectly natural to be scared of the dentist sweetie........but you'll be fine.
Reply:Listen....please do not worry.....you will be just fine. It is so very normal to be scared.


First thing they will do is to give you an exam (gently check your teeth and gums. Next if they find out that you have cavities, they will take a few x-rays, which I am sure that you had because of your braces. If they have time on that day they will fill your teeth. If they are not to deep you can try to have them filled with no Novocaine. If they are deep, you will need a shot. Don't worry though, they have a numbing agent they will put on your gum so the needle won't hurt so much. If the fillings are going to be placed on your molars ( Back teeth) you can always have what is called ( composite filling) which is tooth colored and will not show, but, your insurance company will not pay for composite on back teeth, only anterior (front teeth). If you do get a shot, please make sure you don't eat or drink anything hot til the numbness wears off. You could bite your tongue or lip and get really hurt. I hope this was helpful. Don't worry...... and make sure you floss and brush 3 times a day. Let me know how you did.


I am a Dental Asst.
Reply:Hiya the same thing happened to me when I had a brace on my top teeth. I had the brace removed then ended up having two of my molars filled. it didn't hurt as they numb the area before the filling, but i was not impressed.





When I was older I got the fillings changed to white ones. Dentistry has improved since I was a teenager, I am sure your be OK. Good luck.
Reply:Iv got a few cavities also..got my dentist appointment next week. fillings dont hurt, but the only part which is painful, and one which is making me feel bit scared is the injection in the mouth. which DOES hurt!!
Reply:The most painful part will be the injection. If anything hurts once he starts working on your cavity, tell him right away. Some dentists will give a patient nitrous oxide, laughing gas, which can help calm you down.





You need to tell the dentist of your fears. He should have had many, many patients with the same concerns and be able to reassure you.





There are lots of medical reasons you must have those cavities filled.

skin care products

I have 12 CAVITIES!!?

I have read several other posts regarding cavities but I just cannot stop thinking about all the damn cavities I have. I haven't been to the dentist in about 3 years, (big mistake, will make sure to go every 6 months from here on out) I had only had 3 cavities prior to this and when I was in high school like 6 years ago. I had seen two brown spots on two different teeth and thought yep, its time to go to the dentist...well turns out i didn't just have 2 I HAVE friggen 12, small ones of course cause he was showing me where there were little holes in my molars but they weren't even black or brown...so I was kinda shocked. I go back in one week to have one side of my mouth done which is 6....I'm really scared because its been so long since I had gotten a cavity filled and having 6 done at one time oh man, not looking forward to it. They also wanted to do a deep cleaning but the nurse and told me I didn't really need it as long as I used a mouthwash they gave me and got regular cleanings.

I have 12 CAVITIES!!?
Awe man, everyones mean! Some people dont understand how nervous some people get and how costly it can be also and nobody has great dental insurance it all sucks!





I always put off going to the dentist, and thats what just got me in to have a molar pulled, and of course I could NOT be awake for it so i told them to take my 4 wisdom teeth too JUST SO i could be asleep!





If I remember correctly, I had a realllyy bad cavity filled 2 years ago. It was not that bad. Its the cleanings that bother me, all that scraping just erks my nerves a little too much! You'll be ok! Just keep telling them you can still feel it and you need more novacaine until you know your good and numb! =] Good Luck sweetie





Your very welcome! I hope everything goes good for you!
Reply:damn...do you believe in brushing your teeth?!!!
Reply:Ouch...
Reply:errr... that sucks baddd...
Reply:Regular brushing and flossing after meals and at bedtime should prevent future cavities. Since they're small, the dental work shouldn't be rough on you.
Reply:I am a little confused on the you don't really need a deep cleaning, but they said you did? You either do or don't. There is no inbetween. If you have lots of buildup beneath the gumline, and/or gum disease/bone loss with pocketing, you need a deep cleaning. Mouthwash alone is not going to make a difference on you needing a deep cleaning or not. You also need to floss. Flossing is the most important detail over looked by most. It is what prevents most cavities and bone loss.
Reply:The good news is that some of the cavities were small that your dentist caught, and are usually pretty quick and easy to fix. As far as having 6 done in one visit, it is probably going to turn out to be a great idea. You only have to get that side numbed up once and the dentist can usually go fairly quickly from cavity to cavity. Imagine how sick of the dentist you'd be if you had to get your cavities fixed in 12 visits! It may help you relax if you bring something to listen to (I'm sure you have an iPod or something?) while the dentist works. Plan on spoiling yourself a little bit that day...whenever I have to do something I dread, I treat myself later...gives me something to look forward to as well. Good luck!





Oh, as far as your wisdom teeth go...if they're fine, just leave them. Glad your dentist was OK with that! :)


Whiten cavities??

Cavities, ranging from brown to black, do they get whitened when teeth get whitened? If not, how do you make teeth with cavities whiter? Are veneers the only option?





Also, can you get veneers if you have cavities?

Whiten cavities??
ok.tell me this..whn u say cavities range from brown to black,ur talking abt untreated cavities?coz cavities are spposed to be treated right away n thn thy look either tooth coloured or silver depending on the material used.


if u decide to get bleaching done thn the cavities can be filled with a whiter shade of the material n ur problem is solved.


veneers are usually done for front teeth that have cavities and need to be covered partially or completely.so if you have cavities on ur front teeth and u want those teeth to look bright..go for venners.


veneers are also given as a solution for whiter teeth but it really ain't worth the damage thy cause ur teeth.


if white teeth is all u want..get external whitening or bleaching done
Reply:No responsible dentist would ignore cavities and whiten your teeth for you. If you have cavities, you need to get fillings, there's no other option. If you don't want silver fillings, you can pay more to have composite fillings which will match the colour of your teeth.


Tooth cavities?

gerrr


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Tooth cavities?


i have lots of tiny cavities in my teeth and i also have braces.


i'm going to the dentist soon and i am scared because i have always had good teeth


i think the reason i got cavities is because of my dry mouth but i'm not relly sure


i'm scared. any advice for me??

Tooth cavities?
i didnt get my first cavities til a few years ago.


i didnt go to the dentist for years.


a lot of tiny cavities is better then a single huge one.


dont worry about it. the dentist prolly wont fill them on this visit depending. he/she might numb if he/she does fill them.


dont stress about it
Reply:Brush, floss and use a flouride rinse such as ACT. If you eat something sticky make sure to brush right after or at the very least rinse well with water. Good Luck.
Reply:Brush mornings, sometimes noons, and at nights. Mornings %26amp; Nights especialllly.


Floss your teeth Oh, this works for me. By that stuff, that cavities protecter stuff, it comes in a bottle.


Don't be scared because I'm gonna wish you the bestest of luck ever
Reply:Nothing to be scared about, best to go to the dentist to get them checked out. I use to ignore by teeth assuming my flossing and brushing was enough, but still found myself getting cavities. ( finding out the hardway with pain and getting root canals) Over time found to realize that part of maintaing health teeth was to also have regular dental cleanups and checkups. If you are getting cavities best to stop them early before they get deeper into the root, in which case you might need root canals, etc.





So don't be scared, a visit to dentist is part of any maintaing good dental hygiene.





In case you looking for more information on cavities check otut this link.





http://www.medicalcrunch.com/conditions/...


Cavities and molar sealents?

So i hadn't been to the dentist in a few years, partially because my old dentist wasn't on our insurance, and partially because he got a bad reputation as missing cavities and screwing things up more then helping (but he was a really nice guy). anyways, i went to a new highly recommended dentist the other day, and found out I have 9 cavities!!! it doesn't make sense at all because he makes it sound like some of them are bad, but theres only one spot where I've had any pain, and thats like the most minor cavity. theyre all in my molars, and my molars were sealed a couple years ago, could that have something to do with it?

Cavities and molar sealents?
Get a second opinion if you're concerned. I will say two things about sealants though. #1 they are designed as a coating over the top of the deep grooves in your teeth and intended to help you get through the years of your life when you are likely the most irresponsible with dental care and many other things, your late teens. They will not last forever, think 5-8 years on the low end, and should be viewed with suspicion after even one shows signs of decay. #2 they are not all done equally well.


Also if you are having pain then you have at least one bad cavity and rarely does someone that has not seen a dentist in awhile only have one bad tooth. Many teeth tend to be in the same situation.
Reply:Sealants are most likely to blame. Unless the tooth was sealed with a massive cavity underneth, blocking the tooth from food should cause a small cavity that might have been missed to die out. Don't use pain as an indicator of dental problems. It is one of the signs that something is wrong, but if decay gets to the point that it causes pain, that is probly too late for a filling to fix it. Many things can cause pain in a tooth. Bite being too high, referred from another tooth, and several other things that don't actually mean that tooth that you feel is hurting has aproblem. Hope this helps


Cavities and Braces :o?

My sister called me to ask you all a question. She has braces and the ortho told her they required the patients to get their teeth cleaned professionally at least once during the braces treatment. She went today and the dentist told her she has a couple of cavities in 1-2 molars. She's now afraid that when they take the braces off in bout 10mths she'll have big black holes or cavities showing when they take the brackets off.





So we wanted to know if the ortho will take her braces completely off, get the cavities filled and then put braces back on or what??

Cavities and Braces :o?
they should
Reply:Most of the time, all that will happen is that the dentist will remove the bracket on the cavity filled tooth(teeth). They will then fill the cavity. Cavities CAN and usually ARE filled while people still have their braces on! All that happens is the bracket on the infected tooth is removed for the procedure, then placed back on. Your dentist would have to be crazy to not fill them while they were small- they will only get more painful and endanger the tooth more as time goes on! Go get em filled! Good Luck!
Reply:I HAVE BRACES AND IM TELLING YOU..DONT GET CLEAR OR WHITE. THEY GET STAINED REALLY EASILY. YOU SHOULD EXPERIAMENT, C WHAT U LIKE AND WHAT YOU DONT LIKE. OR ACCORDING TO THE HOLIDAY. RIGHT NOW I HAVE RED.. IF NOT, BLACK IS ALWAYS A GOOD COLOR CHOICE. YOU CANT GO WRONG.HUHUHUHUH


How do I prevent cavities in the molar teeth?

I only have 28 teeth, because I don't have the third molars. But two of my molars already had cavities, and yesterday I went to the dentist, and he noticed another cavity in my very back molar on my bottom right side, and two cavities on my molar on the bottom left side. I'm getting them filled in soon, and I'm also getting one of my top molars filled in to prevent it from getting a cavity. But I take really good care of my teeth. I brush and floss daily, sometimes I brush three times a day, and I chew sugarless gum. My teeth are really white and straight; I never even had braces because I didn't need them. All my dentists say I have good teeth, but my molars keep on getting cavities, even though I take good care of ALL my teeth. Is there any way to prevent my molars from getting cavities? Btw, my dentist said that my molars are naturally very deep.

How do I prevent cavities in the molar teeth?
Hope this link helps you with all information regarding your teeth.Try out http://useinfo-dentalcare.blogspot.com/ for more details.
Reply:Use a toothbrush that the brush part is different lengths. Does that make sense? I guess I'm trying to say use one that isn't flat on top. Make sure to pay special attention to your molars when brushing, spend extra time brushing back there. Use cavity control toothpaste. Make sure you don't eat too many sweets. Good luck!
Reply:My mom is a dentist and she says that everyone is different. I haven't used toothpaste since i was 10 (i'm 16 now) and my teeth are perfect. Besides take care of them there's not much you can do
Reply:Ask if he would be willing to put sealants on the molars that don't have fillings (can't put them on the ones that do). Don't typically do this on adults %26amp; insurance won't cover, but he may be willing to. Also, ask him for a prescription for a flouride toothpaste, a good one is Control Rx which is available through Omni. The flouride, if used properly, should help prevent more decay.
Reply:Make sure you brush and floss before going to bed. Periodic fluoride treatments in the dentist's office should help. High fluoride toothpaste is available by prescription (or OTC in Canada), so ask your dentist about these.





Avoid mixing very hot and very cold foods. Avoid candy, pop, chewy and sugary foods. Avoid chewable vitamins. Don't sip citrus juices throught the day (have one or two servings instead and rinse with water afterwards). Don't brush 1 hr after acidic drinks. Chew some sugarless gum instead. Get treatment for acid reflux and dry mouth, if you have these conditions. Have a few different toothbrushes and brush several times a day always with a dry one. Discard them every couple of months. It is cheap insurance. Use several good quality, soft ones (like sensodyne) and one medium before bedtime.


How many cavities did you have by 18 years old? those less than 18 are welcomed to chime in too!!!?

I am 18, have had braces on for about a year now, and have NEVER had a cavity.





How much of a minority am I in the USA? I would hope that I would be just another one of many, but everyone I talk to seems to have had at least one tooth problem or another, or a cavity at some point, which is somehow surprising to me at my young age...





Am I really one in a million these days, please answer honestly? who else never had a cavity by my age, or how many had cavities by my age, knew or know people that have cavities or some other tooth problems?

How many cavities did you have by 18 years old? those less than 18 are welcomed to chime in too!!!?
i am 14..alsmost 15.. and i have a half of a cavity.
Reply:none
Reply:0. I'm 28 now and still no cavities or problems. A lot of folks I know do or have. I just brush 3x's daily and floss every night.
Reply:By age 8 I already had had like 5000000000 cavities.





stinkin' teeth! %26gt;:(
Reply:Wow ur soooo lucky!!! Im 18 too and i had my 7th filling today!!:( I had 4 big cavities by the time i was 11. I really need to cut down on the candy and these braces dont help either!:(
Reply:im getting my first filling today...way nervous though!


not to keen on needles!


btw im 15

dress shoes

Cavities??

well,





im getting my braces off on friday and my orthodontist had allready found two cavaties. i hate getting them filled! ive done it alot before but i just cant stand it! any way to make it easier?

Cavities??
Hi! I've been in dentistry for over 25 years and no one likes having a filling done, but you must. What I tel my patients to do is crank of their iPod and don't worry about it. The best thing is to relax, let the dentist do what he has to do and put you mind in another place.


I find that by the time I'm done, most pf my patients are clueless that I have finished. Not doing this will end up in a root canal at 7 times the expense and a lot of pain. So turn up the tunes, zone out and you will be on your way home before you have the time to get upset. Good luck and congratulations on getting your braces off. Think about how hot you will look!! M
Reply:nope, make sure you keep your tongue away though
Reply:Just Grin and bear it* there is no easy way to get it done. if your don't want the problem . he can always pull them out I suppose. But then you have to get to fake teeth to replace them..


the easiest way to take care of a cavity???.


Brush and floss and watch the sweet stuff
Reply:yea, brush ur teeth more!
Reply:To make it better, start brushing your teeth better and floss. I've worked in and ortho office for almost two years and i know thats exactly the reason why you have cavities... just get the existing cavities filled and start brushing better and flossing is an absolute must.


Cavities??

I have to go get some caivities filled on Tuesday. Problem is i am terrified of shots. This is all i am thinking about and its driving me insane. After Tuesday i have to go back again too!


Anyone know of any other option besides shots or laughing gas?


Thanks

Cavities??
Okay trust me on this one the needle doesn't hurt at all!!! I'm petrified of needles and the dentist I nearly cry every time and I'm an adult, they put something in your mouth to numb you then the needle and you don't feel it, if your still scared go see a pain free dentist
Reply:Go to one of those new "painless dentists" who put you under anesthesia, even for minor work.
Reply:Some doctors can put you to sleep while they work on your mouth.
Reply:Call the dentist, tell them you are phobic of needles and having panic attacks already.





Ask them if they willl give you xanax or valium to calm your anxiety.





this is the only way for them to get me in the chair!!





Also--- if your insurance or mom is paying the bill--- go for the gas!!


it's awesome!!





My friends teased me about all my dental work, they said i went just to get the gas!!!





It takes away all fear.





#1. call your dentist, and be honest and tell them you have super needle phobia and ask if they can perscribe something for your anxiety?


#2. if they say no, ask them about the gas.


#3. call you medical doctor and ask for xanax or valium.





good luck
Reply:Just sit back and relax...close your eyes....dentists are so gentle and they will be done before you know it. Take the gas and enjoy you will want to come back.
Reply:I just got one done, No biggy. You can't even feel the needle, its so small. the 1st time i got it done, I had no idea he had even given me the shot, easy easy. You will be fine. better to get the small cavity filled rather then having to do more stuff like root canals.
Reply:if you talk to your dentist they may be able to write you a small prescription for valium or something comprable. you would take it before your appt. and the hope is that it will relax you enough that you will be able to handle the anesthesia shot. a syringe in your mouth is a scary concept, but it really does just feel like a pinch. it is considerably less painful than a beesting. and if you let your dentist know you are uneasy, he or she will be patient and let you know exactly what is happening. just close your eyes and breathe deep. if your dentist does not want to write you a prescription, research dentists that offer "sedation dentistry". or just ask your friends if they have happy pills.
Reply:oh,c'mon...you won't even feel the needle ...it's so small.Don't worry, you will survive without pain...and please...only local anesthesia for small cavities...not gas or something else...what for?...local is ok even for root canals...you don't feel anything.


good luck...


Cavities? ....?

1. When,they are getting repaired, what is put inside them? (eg fluoride...)





2.Does the stuff that they put inside stay forever, or does it repair the tooth and "go" away





3. Is the tooth supposed to feel rougher then usual, when you roll your tongue over it?





Thanks i appreciate it

Cavities? ....?
Cavities usually get filled.
Reply:All i know is when u go to the dentist they scrape a bit of white off by the cavity and then fill it up with this white stuff...i have to cavities and im goin to the dentist tomoz.











x
Reply:Most dentists these days use a polymer (hard plastic like material) to fill teeth. It is white and they color it to match your existing tooth color. The old way was with mixture of metals, including mercury, called amalgam. Don't use a dentist that still fills teeth with this.





Usually they will sand and polish the filling to match your bite. Any small imperfections should wear off quickly. If not, call your dentist and have him clean it up for you. It should be a no charge visit.

work boots

Cavities??

i have to go to the dentist in a few days to get a cavity filled...and the dentist said that he wouldnt have to use a needle to do it so how will he fill it?!?!

Cavities??
It depends where is the cavity. If its one of the front teeth, then they will use tooth-coloured fillings but if its one of the molars, then they will use amalgam (the silver ones as they are tougher against impact). Whether the dentist will be using needle or not, it also depends if you currently have toothache or sensitivity to touch. They don't use needles for filling but to numb the area if only necessary or upon patient's request.
Reply:They give u shots with a needle, but when i got my cavity filled my dentist a little tool and pressed it down on my tooth and i didnt feel a thing but when she did the roof of my mouth to numb it that hurt that was the only thing that hurt lol.


Cavities?????

My tooth just started hurting earlier this week and I noticed a black hole the size of the end of a pen cap has formed on my tooth (cavity), has this gone so far that I am going to have to get it pulled or will they be able to fill it. I am going to try to go to the doctor soon as possible. What will they have to do anyone know, any help will be helpful thank you!

Cavities?????
As long as big pieces of the tooth aren't missing it can be saved. Your dentist will ask if it's sensitive to hot, cold, or sugars and then test it with something cold. It will either need a filling, or if the cavity is big a root canal.
Reply:most of the time they can fill it. they give you a local after taking x-rays and do it with you being awake. no worries you dont feel much more than a bee sting and it is done
Reply:You likely have a cavity.





The dentist will probably take an xray to determine how "deep" the cavity is, and depending on the finding, your treatment can be a simple filling, or may include some endodontic treatment in addition to the filling. Only the most extreme cases require extraction. Dentists want to save teeth, not extract them so will do what they can to keep your tooth.








Good Luck!


Cavities?????

1. What does a cavity feel like?





2. What is the WHOLE EXACT procedure for filling a tooth?

Cavities?????
cavities take many forms , and the name is a bit misleading. you can have a cavity (tooth decay) without actually seeing a hole in your tooth. and not every discoloration in your teeth is decay , some are only stains. Dentists take years of training to be capable of diagnosing cavities. they use Dental probes, x-rays, visual and tactile sensation , and of course the dental history of the patient.





the procedure of filling really depends on the type of decay you have. but in simple few words the dentist will recognize the cavity , then might or might not give you anesthesia, depending on the extent of the decay. then he/she will drill your tooth with a rotary instrument that uses a continuous water stream for cooling, while putting a suction straw in you mouth. then the dentist would provide you with a temporary or a permenant filling.


Cavities!!?

So i got a few fillings yesterday but i was wondering since the doctors puts a filling in a cavity hole does the tooth grow and close or does the filling stay there forever?

Cavities!!?
Sometimes if you continually push at the filling with your tongue, they may fall out. (happened to me once. Cavity filling is disgusting!)





The tooth doesn't change much.
Reply:i think depends on how old you are.
Reply:i think it stays, at least mine did. ill have to ask my great aunt
Reply:The filling stays where there. It may wear and need to be replaced eventually.


But teeth do not grow after adulthood.
Reply:it depends on ur age. After 40 ur tooth stops growing.
Reply:I was just at the dentist today and he told me that a filling is good for abour 14 years....so after that you need them replaced
Reply:If they did a good job it pretty much stays there for years and years. Don't make too much of a habit of chewing gum or crunching ice tho...
Reply:The tooth doesn't grow and the filling is permanent. Unless you break the tooth with the filling in it, you should be good to go for a long time.
Reply:it will stay...unless knocked out...





its pretty hard to get them out though...








the tooth grows normally....





example:





growing your finger nails an inch long





and then cut a whole through it....





your nail is still donig to grow the same.
Reply:filling the cavity in normal circumstances stay. The Doctor will be happy to explain you such doubts.Do no have any hesitation in clearing your normal doubts from the doctor.
Reply:JESSE, WHAT THE DENTIST DRILLS OUT WILL NEVER GROW BACK, THAT'S WHY A FILLING IS PLACED TO FILL WHAT WAS DRILLED OUT. IDEALLY THESE FILLINGS WILL LAST FOR MANY, MANY YEARS.

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