Why Won't Your Dentist Fill Your Tooth?
If you have tooth decay, then your dentist will often recommend a filling. However, in some cases, dentists tell patients that a filling isn't the right solution. When might this happen?
You Don't Have Much Decay on the Tooth
Dentists don't immediately treat all cases of tooth decay. Sometimes, they take a wait-and-see approach. They typically do this when a tooth shows signs that it might develop tooth decay. Or, a tooth might have minimal amounts of surface decay. You shouldn't have any problems with the tooth. For example, it shouldn't hurt and it shouldn't be sensitive to hot or cold foods or drinks.
At this stage, dentists might wait to see how things develop. Teeth can fix minor damage themselves in some cases. For example, they can prevent problem spots from turning into decay or can reverse early-stage problems through a remineralisation process.
So, your dentist might put a watching brief on the tooth. They won't want to fill it unnecessarily but they will want to check it more often. They might have to put a filling on the tooth in the future; however, this isn't necessary right now. They give the tooth a chance to heal itself.
As part of this process, your dentist will tell you how to clean and care for the tooth to boost its regenerative capabilities. They might also give you a fluoride boost, say by temporarily putting a fluoride sealant on the surface of the tooth.
Your Tooth Can't Take a Filling
Some problems with decay require large fillings. However, dentists have to evaluate teeth before they fill larger cavities. Some teeth don't respond well to being filled. For example, if a filling will replace too much of a natural tooth, then the tooth itself will be compromised. If there isn't enough tooth to hold a filling, then the filling is more likely to fail. It might fall out or break what is left of the tooth.
This is also a problem if your tooth already has one or more other fillings. There might not be enough of the tooth left to hold another. More extensive root canal work might also remove too much tooth to take a filling at the end of the treatment.
Here, your dentist might recommend a crown instead of a filling. If you have enough of the tooth to hold a crown, then this is a safer and more stable option. In some cases, your dentist might use a partial crown, such as an inlay or onlay. In others, you need a full crown.
For more information, contact a dentist near you.