monster cavity?

Question

On the very back left upper tooth I have a gum line cavity. I cant see it, but I think its pretty large cause I can feel it when I run my tongue over it...

I have an appoinment set up with the dentist for next week, but Im jsut wondering what to expect. Can a large cavity be filled, and can you even get a root canal done on a gum line cavity. Or will it *ah* have to be pulled?

Answer 1

A large cavity can be filled if it hasn't reached the root. Now, that said, you may need a resin filling, not the traditional kind (a bit more expensive). I was able to avoid getting a root canal and crown done on a tooth with a very large filling that cracked (my dentist has since passed away and they had no idea how he did it in the first place). However, another dentist said no problem, use resin (I was a patient at the Univ. of MN dental school). Had it done 4 years ago and the only problem I've had is a slight chip in the tooth from popcorn (gotta get it smoothed down).

edited to add: I actually have a couple of gum line fillings. I don't recall that he had any problem filling them. I was lectured about my flossing technique however.

Answer 2

The very back teeth are usually large, so a tooth with a large cavity might be still subject to repair. If it's not too close to the nerve then it will be just a normal filling. It may be a bit awkward place for the dentist to work on, but they can do it. Do ask for a white (resin) filling if by some crazy chance they decide to put (very outdated) silver amalgam. I know some insurance companies still think that amalgam is the way to go and white filling is a luxury. Even if your insurance doesn't cover it, pay for it, it's worth it. White fillings bond to the tooth and make it as strong as it was. Silver amalgam is not bonded, it's just pressed inside, so it provides no support.

Half of the one of my back teeth is constituted by this good stuff. It stays put for many years already without any problems.

I don't know much about root canals on the gum line cavities, but I can't imagine why not, if necessary. I guess my dentist is a magician and she totally spoiled me by her "can do" attitude.