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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