About Mark Bornfeld DDS Expertise I can respond to all questions dealing with the practice of dentistry, from both the dentist`s and patient`s perspective. I am knowledgeable about all dental disciplines, from cosmetic dentistry to surgery, from restorative dentistry to root canal treatment. I have strong opinions about controversial issues in dental practice, including those topics which directly impact on the reputation of the profession in the eyes of both the lay public and our health profession colleagues.
Experience
Past/Present Clients Editor, Queens County Academy of General Dentistry newsletter; contributor to Dentistry.com 29 years practicing general dentistry partnered with brother Steve as one-half of the DentalTwins®
I came across this forum in a desperate search for information before an emergency appmt with my dentist tomorrow and really hope you are able to offer me some insight. I have recently been having tooth pain and thought it was due to some tooth colored fillings I had done two months ago. I've had pain with them before but my dentist keeps telling me they may be "sensitive" for up to a year. I took a compact mirror to look at my teeth today and low and behold I have a small brown/black spot on the chewing surface of one of my upper right teeth. Now, my first thought was possibly a filling popped out but everything I've read indicated there would be no color change if that were the case and that this must be decay. I was at my dentist 2 months ago! She took x-rays. I see her twice a year. Further, it is only fair to warn you I am a 23 yr. old female who is compulsive about my teeth. I brush them at least twice a day, use restorative ACTS mouthwash, and floss occasionally ...although I admit I should floss more. I gave up pop and sugared gum as a kid because of my teeth, and eat pretty healthy for the most part. While I don't have great family teeth genes, I can't see how a black cavity could form in two months. Could this be anything but decay? Is it possible that a cavity could form out of the blue in two months? Or has my dentist let me down? What are the proper questions I need to ask tomorrow when she sees me? I would truly appreciate any guidance, I feel pretty let down.
With Appreciation,
Sara
Answer Dear Sara,
Yes-- a brown/black spot could be something other than tooth decay. Of course, there is no way to rule out decay just from your description, but it could also be just a stained enamel fissure or a stained margin on a resin filling. If that's the case, then your dentist did nothing wrong by ignoring it.
More potentially problematic is the persistent sensitivity. It is true that resin fillings tend to cause more postoperative sensitivity than the more traditional amalgams, but the delayed onset of sensitivity after fillings is more troubling than a single dark spot. That is where your attention needs to be directed.
Good luck!
Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY
