FAQ

Cavity

What's the difference between resin and gold for cavity fillings?

The advantages of resin are that it closely matches the natural tooth color so it is hardly noticeable, and treatment is finished in a singl

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Cavity

Is gold the best material for fillings?

Gold is not necessarily the best material in every case. Gold has long been popular because of its durability and because it wears down at a

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Cavity

How are front-tooth cavities treated?

Because the front teeth are highly visible, we use materials that closely match the natural tooth color. 1) If the cavity is small, we fill

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Cavity

If a cavity doesn't hurt, do I not need to treat it?

Even if it does not hurt, the cavity still needs to be treated. Cavities cause no pain in the early stages - by the time you notice sensitiv

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Cavity

Is resin treatment covered by insurance?

For adults, resin fillings for cavities are not covered by the National Health Insurance and are classified as non-covered (out-of-pocket) t

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Cavity

Does a severe cavity need to be extracted?

Not every severe cavity requires extraction - in many cases the tooth can be saved with root canal treatment and a crown. However, we may re

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Cavity

I have many cavities. Can they all be treated in one day?

Some cases like resin fillings can be done in one day, while restorations like crowns require impression-taking and lab fabrication, then bo

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Cavity

I can see a dark spot between my teeth. Is it a cavity?

A dark spot between the teeth can be either a cavity or simple staining, and it is hard to tell by eye alone. Staining is pigment from coffe

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Cavity

Can a cavity and simple staining be told apart?

Yes, an examination can tell them apart. Simple staining is pigment from coffee, tea, or smoking sitting on the tooth surface; it comes off

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Cavity

Can a severe cavity make your face swell?

Yes. If a cavity is left long enough that the inflammation passes the root tip and spreads into the surrounding tissue, the face can swell.

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Cavity

How can I tell whether a cavity has reached the nerve?

If pain from something hot lasts a long time, more than sensitivity to cold does, or if the tooth throbs even without any stimulus, the cavi

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Cavity

Are there foods that help prevent cavities?

Yes, there are. 1) Dairy foods such as cheese and milk supply calcium and neutralize acid in the mouth, which helps prevent cavities. 2) Fib

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Cavity

Are cavities contagious?

Yes, the bacteria that cause cavities (mutans streptococci) can pass between people through saliva. A baby is born without cavity-causing ba

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Cavity

Can I have a cavity treated during pregnancy?

Yes, you can have cavities treated during pregnancy, and the most stable time is the second trimester (weeks 14 to 27). Local anesthesia and

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Cavity

If a cavity does not hurt, can I leave it untreated?

It needs treatment even if it does not hurt. A cavity causes little pain until it approaches the nerve, and by the time it hurts it has ofte

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Cavity

My temporary filling came out.

If a temporary filling comes out, it has to be replaced at the clinic within 2 to 3 days at the latest. The temporary material protects the

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Cavity

My temporary filling came out and it is the weekend.

A temporary filling coming out is usually not an emergency, so you can come in as soon as possible after the weekend. Until then, 1) fill th

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Cavity

How long does a resin filling last?

A resin filling usually lasts about 3 to 5 years, and 10 years or more with good care, depending on how you look after it and on your chewin

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Cavity

Will a new resin filling come out if I brush right away?

No, a resin filling will not come out if you brush right after treatment. Resin is hardened completely by curing light during the procedure,

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Cavity

Can I drink coffee after a resin filling?

You can drink coffee after a resin filling, but you do need to manage staining. The surface of resin has microscopic pores, so deeply colore

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