If you notice a very shaded spot on your teeth, there are a few things that you should be concerned about. The first is that the tooth has eroded and that you have a cavity in the spot. The second is that the nerve of the tooth is died, and because of a lack of blood supply to the tooth, the tooth is also dying. Staining could also be a possibility. Here are a few of the things you want to talk with your dentist about when you make an appointment and go in.

Does the Cavity Need Filling?

If the tooth is only stained, or if there is only a little bit of eroded area, the dentist may not think there is a need to fill the cavities. If the dentist already thinks the cavity is deep and that the root of the tooth could be in jeopardy, then you need to fill the cavity right away to avoid needing a root canal or developing an infection.

Could It Recalcify?

Find out if the dentist thinks that the small erosion could recalcify. Not often, but sometimes, if you try to mineralize the tooth, the area could be covered and the cavity will not get worse. The dentist will want to monitor the tooth closely at your checkups, and with x-rays they will be able to tell if the tooth is getting better.

Can You Seal the Tooth and Avoid Drilling

Ask the dentist if you can avoid drilling and filling the tooth at the time, and instead ask if you can have the tooth sealed. You can get enamel and tooth protectant, to help avoid further damage or staining, and then have the tooth checked the next time you go in. You want to have this done on all of your teeth at the same time.

If you have noticed that one of your tooth has some shading, or that it looks a little gray, you want to make an appointment with a dentist at offices like Cornerstone Dental to make sure that you don't have any serious problems or infections that have to be addressed right away. If the dentist thinks that you have just a small cavity, ask if you can have it sealed, try to recalcify it with minerals, or put off the drilling to help prevent the need for drilling. If you can't, get it filled right away and follow up as needed for pain or further discoloration.