What does a cavity look like ?

When there is a cavity, the tooth structure becomes less dense. More Xrays can pass through, and the area appears dark on the image. On the tooth, a new cavity will have a chalky white appearance due to the decalcification of the tooth structure. As time goes by, the decay area picks up stain and the area can turn brown or even black. The tooth structure where the cavity exists becomes soft and feels like leather if we poke it with a sharp instrument.

Here are some images of a cavity on an Xray as well as on the same tooth in the mouth.

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Alex Nguyen, DDS is a Saratoga Dentist who practices General Dentistry, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry.  For over 20 years the practice has been serving the residents of Santa Clara County and San Francisco Bay Area.