Filling Near Gum Line of front tooth - possible?

Anoneemoose

Hi,

I am not after medical advice as such and am booked in for my check up at the dentist in a few weeks but I am intrigued! I noticed what I thought was a build up of plaque on a particular tooth (bottom, about 3 along from the middle two - the pointyish one - so sorry, no idea of names).

Anyway, I tried to floss it a bit with the intention of brushing afterwards and it was really painful (shooting pain). Further inspection with my nail felt like it was a 'ridge' which I assumed was a hole. When I touched with my nail, it really hurt but other than that, it is completely pain free.

Is it possible to get holes in this area and if so, can they be filled?
Again, I know the answers will be dependent on my teeth and only my dentist will be able to tell for definite - I am just trying to imagine a filling there and can't!

Thanks,

Anon

Toothsmith

You can get decay on any tooth surface exposed to bacteria. (They don't rot whilst still in the gums despite some urban myths - "ohhh they came through rotten Dr!")

Most holes can be filled. It just depends on the extent of the decay.

C_Mababejive

Being a dental coward, i just had my first checkup in about 5 years. I went to a chap on personal recommendation and he was fab both as a person and as a professional. Anyway it was all looking good with only a minor filling as a precaution. The point of my post though is that having done lots of reading, i have switched from a power rotary toothbrush to a small headed ,fine,soft bristle brush. The reason? The fine soft bristles skim the tooth/gumline and are more effective at cleaning the small pocket area between tooth and gum..just a little tip..power isnt always best.

Anoneemoose

Thanks!

I am hoping it will be not too bad - she didn't notice it last time so fingers crossed that means it has only just appeared. I know it might sound like an excuse but I just cannot get the hang of flossing (cannot coordinate myself!) with actual string stuff so use those 'flossers' on the plastic frame thing. I am not sure whether they're as good mind. Tried the interdental brushes but even the tiniest one was too big for my gaps!!

I use a 'normal' electric toothbrush with a medium head although I am thinking of investing in a better model - any recommendations gratefully received! I thought I was really good at brushing - but mustn't be as good as I thought!

Am not a dentist-phobe - mine is lovely and I have only 2 fillings which I blame on my kids - both happened not long after they were born!!!

DepositSaver

Not quite the same as the OP, but I had a gap between a porcelain veneer and a slightly receded gum on one of my top front teeth filled. The receded gum exposed the very uneven surface of the tooth below (which the veneer is there to cover). My dentist filled the gap with a white-ish filling. I would guess they would use the same material to fill a hole in a front tooth.