Dental cavities

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Tooth anatomy

Caries; Tooth decay; Cavities - tooth

• Toothache -- particularly after sweet, hot, or cold foods and drinks
• Visible pits or holes in the teeth

Most cavities are discovered in the early stages during routine checkups. The surface of the tooth may be soft when probed with a sharp instrument. Pain may not be present until the advanced stages of tooth decay. Dental x-rays may show some cavities before they are visible to the eye.

Review Date: 08/12/2005
Reviewed By: Johanna Jacobs, D.D.S., General and Cosmetic Dentistry, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.