HomeAnswersDentistrydental cariesThere is a hole in my tooth. What should I do?

A hole has started to develop in one of my upper teeth. What are my options?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At November 26, 2017
Reviewed AtFebruary 13, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 27 years old and have not seen a dentist since I was 18. I have a hole that has started to develop in one of my top teeth (although I have not experienced pain from it) and believe it is due to a cavity or gum disease. I use spitting tobacco and know I have other teeth issues. But, I am firstly concerned about the hole in the tooth. The question is not whether I should see a dentist (I obviously should and will), but what I should specify as the reason for visiting the dentist. Should I specify cleaning checkup, broken tooth, or cavity?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your clinical images (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

  1. Yes, it is a cavity and not a gum problem. In medical terminology, it is called a class-V dental cavity.
  2. If it does not pain, it can be simply filled with a GIC (glass ionomer cement) or composite (veneer).
  3. Composite is better in esthetics as well as hardness. You must opt for it though GIC is relatively cheap.

Hope my answer will help you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray
Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray

Dentistry

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