The tricky subject of cavities.

What are they?

When it pays to be clear.

And when the issue is questionable.


A cavity is generally accepted to have occurred when demineralization has progressed through the enamel to the underlying dentin. This is sometimes visible on an x-ray, but not always due to the angle of the x-ray. Therefore, gum line cavities need further revision.

Talking about your dental issues. Why not ask for clarification? Is this an actual cavity? Can you show me? What is your opinion on this? Does it need filling, or might we wait for further developments.

Some dentists like to fill any area at the gum line as a matter of course, because they feel, that future decay might be probable. I'm not too happy about that, and personally having had a few areas of demineralization for many years, which have never deteriorated, would not wish to have those filled unless they had progressed. This is an ongoing debate, with no firm conclusions on either side of the fence.

raqueteer wrote:What are they?

When it pays to be clear.

And when the issue is questionable.


A cavity is generally accepted to have occurred when demineralization has progressed through the enamel to the underlying dentin. This is sometimes visible on an x-ray, but not always due to the angle of the x-ray. Therefore, gum line cavities need further revision.

Talking about your dental issues. Why not ask for clarification? Is this an actual cavity? Can you show me? What is your opinion on this? Does it need filling, or might we wait for further developments.

Some dentists like to fill any area at the gum line as a matter of course, because they feel, that future decay might be probable. I'm not too happy about that, and personally having had a few areas of demineralization for many years, which have never deteriorated, would not wish to have those filled unless they had progressed. This is an ongoing debate, with no firm conclusions on either side of the fence.

Legal disclaimer: All opinions provided on this subject are intended as general information only and should not be construed as professional advice.

Happy to read this post. Thanks.


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