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Sugar Frequency
Every sugar hit restarts the acid attack. Frequency matters more than amount.
Cavity · Lahore
Treat Cavities Properly
With Bonded Fillings,Not Rushed Drilling
With Bonded Fillings,Not Rushed Drilling
At ODONTO, every cavity is first staged, then restored with the technique that matches its depth. A tiny pit cavity and a deep dentine cavity need completely different approaches.
- Cavity depth staged clinically
- Same-day composite fillings
- Minimum drilling, maximum tooth saved
- Hidden cavities caught on bitewing X-ray
★4.9/5 Google ReviewsPMDC Certified · Dr. Mian Momin Ahmad
Staging Before Drilling
Accurate depth assessment means minimum drilling, maximum tooth saved.
Bonded Composite
Modern fillings bond chemically to enamel and dentine for long life.
Bitewing X-Rays
Catches cavities between teeth, invisible on visual exam.
Onlay for Large Cavities
Ceramic onlays preserve weakened cusps better than mega-fillings.
Clinical Overview
What Is A Cavity?
The Hole Left By Tooth Decay
Cavities are the visible holes created by dental caries — the active disease process. Filling a cavity removes the infected tissue and seals the tooth, but without prevention, new cavities keep forming. Both sides of the equation matter.
Clinical Definition: A cavity (carious lesion) is a localised loss of tooth structure due to acid-producing bacteria breaking down enamel and dentine. Cavity size is classified by Blacks classification (Class I–V) and ICDAS score.
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Plaque Bacteria
Streptococcus mutans converts sugar to enamel-dissolving acid.
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Sweet Chai Habit
Sweetened tea throughout the day creates a continuously acidic mouth.
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Night Feeding
Saliva flow drops at night, so bedtime sugar stays on teeth for hours.
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Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth trap food and resist cleaning, inviting interdental cavities.
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Low Fluoride
Pakistani water supplies vary, and fluoride is often below optimal.
Pakistan-Specific Patterns
- • Multiple daily sweetened chais keep the mouth acidic for hours.
- • Sticky barfi and mithai lodged between teeth are leading cavity starters.
- • Biscuits with tea cause rapid interproximal cavities in Lahore adults.
- • Low fluoride in Punjab water increases cavity risk in children.
Cavity Classification
Blacks Classification of Dental Cavities
Where the cavity forms on the tooth determines what kind of filling is used. For most moderate-depth Class I and Class II cavities, a bonded tooth-coloured composite filling for cavities restores the tooth in a single visit without removing healthy structure.
Class I (pit and fissure of molars)
Class II (between back teeth)
Class III (between front teeth)
Class IV (corner of front teeth)
Class V (gumline cavities)
Class VI (cusp tip cavities)
Root surface cavities
Recurrent cavity (around old filling)
Rampant cavities (multiple teeth)
Nursing bottle cavities (infants)
Clinical Signs & Risks
Cavity Size vs Type of Filling
| Cavity Size | Best Restoration | Longevity |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny (less than 1mm) | Sealant or fluoride | 5 years |
| Small (1–2mm) | Composite filling | 5–10 years |
| Moderate (2–4mm) | Composite or inlay | 8–15 years |
| Large (more than 4mm) | Onlay or crown | 15+ years |
| Cusp lost | Onlay or crown | 15+ years |
| Pulp reached | RCT + crown | 15+ years |
| Unrestorable | Extraction + implant | 20+ years |
Diagnosis at Odonto
How We Diagnose Dental Cavities
Dr. Mian Momin Ahmad uses visual inspection, bitewing X-rays, and laser fluorescence to find every cavity — even the hidden ones.
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Visual Inspection
Mirror and blunt probe examination of every surface.
02
Bitewing X-Rays
Essential for spotting cavities between teeth.
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Laser Fluorescence
DIAGNOdent and similar devices detect hidden cavities.
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ICDAS Scoring
International scale 0–6 for consistent cavity classification.
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Transillumination
Light test reveals cavities in thin front teeth.
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Pulp Vitality Test
Determines whether the pulp is still healthy in deep cavities.
Treatment Options at Odonto
Cavity Treatment in Lahore
Most Popular
Composite Filling
Tooth-coloured bonded filling. Same visit, invisible, strong.
30–45 minSame day5–10 years
Durable
Ceramic Inlay / Onlay
Lab-made ceramic for larger cavities — stronger than direct fillings.
2 visits15+ yearsMaximum tooth saved
Advanced
Root Canal + Crown
For cavities that have reached the nerve and caused pulp inflammation.
2 visits15+ yearsSave the tooth
Clinical Distinction
When A Cavity Is Too Big For A Filling — Onlay or Crown
Extensive cavities can weaken the tooth wall beyond what a direct filling can support. In those cases, a partial or full-coverage restoration derived from the original detailed dental caries progression and management pathway is the more durable option.
Incipient
White-spot lesion, no hole yet.
Fluoride + Diet
Small
Enamel-only hole, no sensitivity.
Composite Filling
Moderate
Dentine reached, cold sensitivity.
Larger Filling / Onlay
Deep
Near or into pulp, lingering pain.
RCT + Crown
Expert Dental Care — Lahore
Meet Your Treating Doctor
PMDC Registered Practitioner
Dr. Mian Momin Ahmad
Dental Surgeon & Prosthodontist
With over 10 years of clinical experience in restorative, cosmetic, and preventive dentistry, Dr. Mian Momin Ahmad is dedicated to delivering exceptional dental care with a gentle touch.
Book Appointment10+ Years Experience180+ Happy Patients⭐ 4.9 Rating
Qualifications & Certifications
- BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
- MDS — Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry
- PMDC Licensed & Registered
- Advanced Dental Implant Certification
- Cosmetic Dentistry Workshop Certified
Clinic Location
Plot #7, Shop #2, Main Defence Rd, Block A1 Engineers Town, Lahore, Pakistan
Real Patient Outcomes
Before & After: Cavities
BeforeAfterSmall occlusal cavity
Composite Filling
Same-day, invisible
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Before
AfterInterdental Class II cavity
Composite with Matrix Band
Contact point restored
BeforeAfterLarge molar cavity
Ceramic Onlay
Cusp protected, 15-year fix
BeforeAfterPediatric rampant cavities
GIC + Stainless Crowns
All restored in two visits
Patient Questions
Cavities — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a cavity?
Look for dark spots, food catching in one tooth, cold sensitivity, or visible holes. Many cavities have no symptoms until they are deep — regular dental check-ups catch them early.
Does filling a cavity hurt?
Local anaesthesia makes the procedure painless. Some patients feel mild pressure or vibration, but not pain.
Can a cavity heal without a filling?
Only at the earliest white-spot stage. Once the enamel has actually cavitated, the tooth cannot self-repair — a filling is needed.
How long does a filling last?
Composite fillings typically last 5–10 years. Ceramic onlays last 15+ years. Longevity depends on cavity size, tooth location, and home care.
Are silver amalgam fillings still used?
Rarely at Odonto. Modern composite fillings bond to the tooth, look natural, and require less drilling. Amalgam remains available only on patient request.
Can a baby tooth have a cavity?
Yes, very commonly in Lahore. Untreated baby tooth cavities cause pain and can damage the permanent tooth developing below. They must be treated.
How much does a filling cost?
Varies with cavity size, location, and material. Our free consultation includes a written quote before any work is done.
Why does my filling feel sensitive after treatment?
Some sensitivity for 1–2 weeks after a new filling is normal, especially with a deep cavity. Lingering or worsening sensitivity after 4 weeks warrants review.
More Dental Problems
Related Dental Problems at Odonto
Free Consultation Available
Think You Have A Cavity?
The earlier a cavity is filled, the less tooth needs to go. Dr. Mian Momin Ahmad offers free cavity screening with every new patient consultation.
Free first consultationPMDC certified dentistNo commitment requiredSame-day appointments4.9/5 Google Rating