How to differentiate a cavity from a stain?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a brown spot on my teeth. Is it a stain or cavity? Please help because I am really worried about the issue.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

I have seen the attached picture (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity) and firstly, I want to know from when did you notice this brown cavity or stain? When was your last visit to the dentist or is it the first time you are consulting the dentist? Do you have any history of drinking borewell water or fluoridated water in your childhood? Your stains definitely seem to be chronic. Based on these answers, I will diagnose your issue.

Please revert with answers.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Glad to have you back.

If it gets bigger with time, as per the image that you have enclosed previously, it is likely to be a cavity in the front part of your tooth. It is definitely esthetic to drill and cover it with a filling that matches your tooth shade. Your dentist will have fillings with different tooth shades like A1, A2, B1, B2, etc. So, they will match the filling with the shade of your natural tooth. If they tell you after examining in the clinic that it is a stain and not a cavity, then it would be difficult to eliminate it. For this, bleaching should be done. It is likely to be a cavity and it can be filled easily.

I hope it helps.

Thank you.

Answer 3

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Glad to have you back.

Yes, definitely get it filled to restore the chipped enamel of the tooth, as it happens in cavitation. If it gets bigger with time, it can progress to a situation that might require a root canal treatment. In the case of dental fluorosis, stains, and remineralization paste might help, but only to a certain extent.I hope this helps.Thank you.