A Close Up Look At Cavities: What Your Dentist Sees

Cavity Example 1: Tiny Pit and Fissure Cavities

These are the most common cavities of the “Pepsi Generation” who grew up with fluoride in the water and Crest toothpaste

Very small area of decay, hardly visible

After the cavity was opened, the decay is evident

After laser-bonded filling

Cavity Example 2:  Small Cavities and a Leaky Old Filling

“Beware of the hidden decay down below,  for before you know, it will grow!”

Small area of decay under old filling

Filling removed showing decay underneath is very evident now

After laser-bonded filling

Cavity Example 3: A Medium Sized Cavity

The dentist’s dilemma: should it be filled, onlayed or crowned to preserve its strength?

Leaking old silver filling

Medium-sized filling out.  Notice the decay present.

Medium-sized cavity fixed with laser-bonded restoration

Cavity Example 4: Large Cavity Under an Old Filling

No doubt about what’s best for these large problem cavities.

Large, old, leaking, silver filling TOO big for a filling. Needs an onlay.

Filling out, decay evident.

After laser-bonded porcelain onlay