What does "sticky" mean for cavities?

[Eshy]

I have an obvious cavity on one of my back molars it kind of scares me as I can see a black spot on the surface of the tooth but I can also see that there is black underneath where I can see through the tooth a little on the side. I asked my dentist about it an he said "I don't do 'em unless they're sticky" He didn't really explain more than that.

What does he mean by sticky?

 

[comfortdentist]

relatively soft to touch with sharp hard point.

 

[carole]

I may be being stupid here but I would have thought a dentist would do a small filling where there is a small cavity thus preventing a bigger job at a later date or an infection getting in there.

I like preventative dentistry rather than letting things get out of hand. When somebody has got to a dentist I would hope they would do the small stuff therefore building up confidence with the patient over having treatment.

I hope this practice isn't usual or is it a case of not having the knowledge and it is normal to leave small holes in teeth, and they wouldn't do damage.

 

[Eshy]

So does that mean they're just more decayed?

How likely is it to become sticky by the next 6 months? It won't get significantly worse in 6 months assuming i have normal brush/floss habits right? I don't want anything to have to be done other than a filling next time.



@carole yeah, I like the idea of preventing worse things from happening. I'm sure if I asked him he would do it but I don't want it to perpetuate into a bigger problem later. I'm not sure of I trust his judgement.

 

[carole]

If you think he would do it now rather than leave it, I would have it done now. I don't want to put my insecurities onto you but it would drive me mad knowing I had this and it was left. It may be fine but if I had the choice I would want it done now.

I don't know if this is right or wrong we are not dentists, maybe a dentist on here will come back to you with an opinion.

After saying this thinking about it I have a very small brown mark on one of my teeth it doesn't show when I talk or anything and it's been there for years. I once asked about it and was told it was okay. I think I will ask my dentist, because I see a different dentist now.

You have got me wondering now. Maybe we will find out. I'm keeping my eyes on this the curiosity is killing me.

 

[Carys]

Ooooooooo I wouldn't like this, I don't get why he would not just do it now before it becomes 'sticky' ???? Surely it would be a really easy job now and save a bigger cavity ? Maybe I am missing something here too.

 

[Eshy]

Well maybe it's cause I pretty much maxed out our insurance already... I don't know. As far as I know the only motive for not doing it is because it isnt "sticky". I hoping he's not just thinking its more money for him if he lets it get worse enough for a more expensive procedure. I mean, he's super nice to me and very respective of my needs concerning my fears... I don't think he'd be that kind of guy at least. I hope not. It doesn't matter though because I am WAY too scared to see another dentist. The risk is too high. ):

 

[RP]

Maybe its just a stain in a fissure...........there's also remineralization of early decay. Cavities take a very, very long time ...........it's not an overnight emergency. There has also been a lot of bad press lately about unncessary fillings in pre-cavities ...........There's an article around here somewhere that brit posted. Can't put my finger on it at the moment.

 

[Eshy]

Thanks RP. I know it's not a stain, because I asked him... But I think I'm not too worried about it anymore. I was thinking about those years that I already had cavities that I just let them go. They weren't awful after being left so long so I think I'm just gonna leave it up to the dentist. He's a smart guy and I trust him.

 

[RP]

good plan

 

[carole]

That's a good idea. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Good that you have faith in your dentist. I have faith in mine too, I'm still going to ask him about my mark on my tooth though. I intend to go by what he says like you.

 

[Eshy]

Yeah, I don't have much reason not to trust him yet anyway. Besides, he's the one that went to dental school, not me.

I wish you the best with your little unknown spot! Eheh.

Let us know what he says.