Cavity Fillings

[gatewayaz]

I was wondering if anyone new the incidence of further dental work on a tooth that was filled with a polymer filling. I am reluctant to have a cavity that the dentist found in a tooth that does not show on xray. I have never had a filling before and wonder if they do more harm than good. The tooth in question is not causing any pain, and is not sensitive at all. Most people that I know that have had fillings, have later on had to have further work on the same tooth.

[dabner]

So, you are thinking that it may be in your best interest to leave the decay in your mouth? I see cavities all the time that are so small that you cannot see them on an x-ray, but they "stick" whne you probe them in the mouth. When we go into te remove the decay, it is often more extensive than it appeared. If you wait til it hurts, you will need a root canal.
No way it will do more harm than good.
All fillings will leak ofter a period of time and need to be replaced. The ADA says the "life expectancy" of a resin filling is 5-7 years, but done well can last much longer.
There is no benefit to doing nothing.
Also, once you have the disease of caries (tooth decay) in your mouth, it spreads. Get it filled!