Whats the difference between tooth decay and a cavity?

Question

Well.. my brother just had his fillings, and now he sees a black spot on the side of his tooth that was worked on. I'm not really sure if its because the filling fell out.. or is it just tooth decay? Its a black spot, thats kinda like a circle that goes in a bit. and even if it were tooth decay.. don't they fill that in too? Please enlighten me :D thanks!

nope he got the white ones.. and yes joanne , I did search google already.. :P but I want to really make sure.. is it wrong to want to help my brother? ;\

Answer 1

Tooth decay and cavities are indeed the same thing. My guess is that your brother (if he had white fillings) either lost the filling from the side of the tooth or (more likely) he has a pit (normal developmental spot) on the side of the tooth that has become stained. It is also possible that the dentist put in a small silver filling (since that area is rarely seen) and that there and a white filling on the top of the tooth (which can be seen easily when the mouth is opened). If in doubt have the dentist or hygienist check it out, if it needs to be repaired the sooner the better. Good job in looking after your brother. Good luck!
JAMRDH - a dental hygienist

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Tooth decay and cavity are the same thing. Could the black spot be a small amalgam or silver filling? If it isn't a silver filling then it is likely a spot that the dentist felt was just a stain and not decay or a cavity.

Answer 4

If im not mistaken tooth decay is actually when your tooth begins to decay and rot away. And a cavity is a small hole in your tooth that either be fixed with a dentist blowing sand into it or filling it with a gold filling.

Answer 5

ask your dentist or go online and look up tooth decay/cavity real easy. i know the answer and im sure someone will tell you. however, there are some questions i feel like this question you could do your homework and benefit. a filling does leave a darkened spot sometimes/did he have a root canal? cavity is your teeth are going bad so off to the dentist. i guess i got soft hearted. do the homework your smart. thanks

Answer 6

Decay & cavity are the same thing. If he sees a black spot, it means the dentist did a bad job and the cavity is back... they need to get that out.

Answer 7

Tooth decay is one of the most common of all disorders, second only to the common cold. It usually occurs in children and young adults but can affect any person. It is the most important cause of tooth loss in younger people.
Plaque begins to accumulate on teeth within 20 minutes after eating (the time when most bacterial activity occurs). If this plaque is not removed thoroughly and routinely, tooth decay will not only begin, but flourish.
The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the tooth and create holes in the tooth (cavities). Cavities are usually painless until they grow very large inside the tooth and destroy the nerve and blood vessels in the tooth. If left untreated, a tooth abscess can develop. Untreated tooth decay also destroys the internal structures of the tooth (pulp) and ultimately causes the loss of the tooth.
In filling teeth, the decayed material is removed (by drilling) and replaced with a restorative material such as silver alloy, gold, porcelain, or composite resin. Porcelain and composite resin more closely match the natural tooth appearance, and may be preferred for front teeth. Many dentists consider silver amalgam (alloy) and gold as stronger, and these materials are often used on back teeth. There is a trend to use high strength composite resin in the back teeth as well.
Treatment often preserves the tooth. Early treatment is less painful and less expensive than treatment of extensive decay. Anesthetics -- local (novacaine), nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or other prescription medications -- may be required in some cases to relieve pain during or following drilling or other treatment of decayed teeth. For those who fear dental treatment, nitrous oxide in combination with anesthesia may be preferred.
For more information look at these sites:
http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/san-diego-dental-article-1.htm

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