Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 8/10/2006

Question
Hi Mark,

Is it important for children to receive fillings for cavities on the side of their teeth? I've heard of people needing fillings on the top of their teeth but I've never heard of people  needing fillings for cavities on the side of their teeth. A dentist I saw wants to do 6 fillings on my 8 year boy all of which are for cavilites on the side of my son's teeth. I'm suspicious if this is really needed by by my 8 year old son.

What is your advice?  

Answer
Dear Stewart,

Tooth decay is tooth decay, no matter where on the tooth it occurs. Likewise, the consequences of untreated cavities are the same, regardless of their location on the teeth.

If you need the corroboration of a second opinion in order to extend trust to your son's dentist, so be it. However, I can assure you that teeth have five available surfaces, and any (or all) of those surfaces can potentially develop decay.

Hope this helps...

Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY