Pit and fissure staining or cavities?

How likely is it that dark staining in the pits and fissures of teeth is simply that - staining? And how often is it actually due to underlying cavities?

Pit and fissure staining or cavities?
Hey,


seems like U realllly do take care of Your teeth. most people do not even know that teeth have pits n fissures.


anyway.. a small amount of discoloration is seen in many teeth n thats nothing to worry about.


there is a term ARRESTED CARIES that is used to describe a situation when the bacteria begins to attack the tooth surface but due to various factors(good oral hygiene,flouride rinses etc) the lesion does not progress any further. hence it appears discolored but its taken care of itself.


when U got to start worrying is if the tooth is sensitive to hot,sweet, sour , cold food.


or if the tooth takes on this color that appears like an opaque white coat has been put on something black... thats the only way i can think of describing it.. sure hope U understand what im trying to say!!


compare the color of the entire tooth n not just the pits n fissures to the adjoining teeth n see if it appears darker.


even if U got pit n fissure caries n like i mentioned if its arrested then U got no problem at all.. but if there is a ditched surface along it(termed as a CATCH) then U would need a resoration.. pit n fissure sealants should do in initial stages.


try flouride mouth rinses or pastes. especially if U have other decayed or treated teeth already


if U still paranoid.. then a Radiograph of the tooth should help U.


take care
Reply:its likely; however you should have it checked out anyway.. dont let cavities progress
Reply:I'm sure I read somewhere on the internet at some point that about 80% of teeth with apparent "staining" actually have underlying cavities.......but not sure where I read it and whether it's a reliable source or not! Sorry!
Reply:Pits and fissures can be stained without having a cavity in them. But think about it this way if stain is getting stuck in those pits and fissures and you can't brush them out, then what about the food and bacteria that is getting stuck in there. If you can't remove the stain, then you probably aren't removing the plaque either. Which means that at some point these areas will turn into a cavity. As the dentist said there are sealants that can be bonded into deep pits and fissures essentially sealing them to prevent the plaque from getting stuck in these deep grooves. Radiographs for occlusal decay are not that helpful unless the cavity is already huge, then they are more likely to be seen on the x-ray. Smaller occulasal decay is harder to detect on radiographs but sometimes can be detected by an explorer stick. Better yet find a dentist that uses a device called a Diagodent. It is a small pen-like device that emits a special light which when the light hits a decayed spot, the cavity will fluoresce and give a number reading. The higher the number reading the higher incidence that there is decay. I would get it checked out by your dentist to make sure. If the stain is only that stain, them the hygienist or dentist may be able to use what is called a prophy jet to remove some of it. Good luck.

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