Member Question: My dentist says I have a cavity and that I need a filling. My tooth doesn't hurt so why should I listen to him?

Question From Our Member:

A. Bassett of Fresno, California asks: 

My dentist says I have a cavity and that I need a filling.  My tooth doesn't hurt so why should I listen to him?  I think he may be trying to take advantage of me.

Savon’s Answer:

Most dentists will show you the x-rays and point out what they are seeing.  A cavity is caused by bacteria eating away at the enamel of the tooth.  Caught early enough, it can usually be fixed with a simple filling but if you ignore it, at some point it is going to start hurting.

Waiting often makes problem more difficult and more expensive to fix such as requiring a root canal and a crown.  Trust the x-rays and the professional opinion of the doctor, it appears that he is really trying to save you some future pain and expense.


(the content of this blog was originally posted in our March 2016 newsletter in the article "Here's Your Answer")