Can a Dentist Fill a Cavity Between Teeth? Absolutely – Here’s How

Table of Contents

Introduction

I’ll be honest: sitting in the dentist’s chair and hearing that dreaded phrase, “You have a cavity between your teeth,” is enough to make anyone scared. I’ve been there myself—my dentist lightly tapping my X-ray, pointing out a dark shadow that I never noticed before. My first question was, “Can you fix it if it’s so hard to see?” To my great relief, the answer was yes.

Cavities between teeth—dentists call them interproximal cavities—show up more often than most people think. They happen more often than the ones you can spot on the chewing or front sides of your teeth. What I’ve learned is that these sneaky cavities may seem tricky, but fixing them is just normal work for dentists. The faster you treat them, the easier things are. Waiting only means more pain and bigger dental bills.

In this article, I’m breaking down everything I’ve experienced and found out about interproximal cavities: why they happen, how dentists fix them, what the process is like, and—maybe most important—how you can stop them from coming back.

What Are Interproximal Cavities and Why Do They Form?

When my dentist first explained “interproximal cavities,” I pictured some complicated dental mess. But it’s actually simple: these are cavities that show up on the sides of your teeth, right where two teeth touch. Think of them as the sneakier siblings of regular cavities—they hide out of sight, right in those tight spaces.

Causes: Why Do Cavities Like to Hide Here?

• Bad Cleaning Habits

Even if you brush really well, it’s tough to clean the tiny spots between teeth with just a toothbrush. Plaque and food get stuck in these spaces, especially if you skip flossing.

• Bacteria and Acid

Bacteria love leftover sugar and food bits. They make acids that slowly wear away enamel, the hard outer shell of your tooth. Once that barrier weakens, a cavity forms.

• Diet & Dry Mouth

Eating lots of sugary or acidic foods—like candies, sodas, and even fruit juices—feeds bacteria. If you have a dry mouth (not enough spit), your natural cleaning team is down, making the risk even higher.

• Not Taking Care of Your Teeth

Not brushing and flossing regularly, or not doing it right, sets up decay in these hard-to-reach places.

I learned all this the tough way. For years, I brushed twice a day but was too lazy to floss. My first cavity between my teeth proved that brushing alone isn’t enough for those spots.

How Dentists Detect Hidden Interproximal Cavities

When you hear “cavity,” you might think of a brownish spot you can see in the mirror. But with interproximal cavities, the real problem is you almost never see them—at least not until they get big and painful.

Why Are These Cavities So Hard to Find?

When my dentist looked at my teeth, they seemed fine. No dark spots, no obvious holes. But when she showed me my X-rays, there it was—a dark spot between two back teeth. Here’s how they find them:

Dental X-rays (Bitewings): The Secret Weapon

These X-rays are the main tool. They show a side view, letting your dentist spot even tiny cavities hiding between teeth long before pain or visible damage can be seen. I can’t say enough how important regular dental X-rays are, even if your mouth feels fine.

Exam and Other Tools

Sometimes, if a cavity is really far along, your dentist might see discoloration or find a soft spot with their tool. For serious cases, the cavity might even be visible as a gap or shadow.

Some dentists also use special dyes or digital tools to show decay, but X-rays are still the main way.

Why You Can’t Always Tell Yourself

I tried using a flashlight on my teeth, hoping to spot anything weird, but cavities between teeth are good at hiding. It’s not about being lazy—it’s just a spot you can’t check on your own without help.

The Procedure: Step-by-Step Interproximal Cavity Filling

When I found out I had my first cavity between my teeth, my big question was, “How do you fill something you can barely see?” The answer surprised me—it’s very careful and pretty normal.

Here’s what usually happens:

1. Getting Numb

First, your dentist gives a numbing shot so you don’t feel pain. I barely felt a pinch, and after a few minutes, the whole side of my mouth was nice and numb.

2. Keeping the Tooth Dry

They often use a dental dam—a thin rubber or silicone sheet—to keep your tooth dry and safe from spit. It looks strange but actually helped me feel less scared, knowing the area was covered.

3. Removing the Decay

With a tiny dental drill or other little tools, the dentist gently takes out the soft, decayed part of your tooth. This part is more about patience than power. It usually takes a few minutes and doesn’t hurt once you’re numb.

4. Shaping the Cavity

The dentist shapes the empty space so the filling can stick well and bring back the natural shape of your tooth.

5. Matrix Band and Wedge

This part was new to me. Your dentist slips a thin little band between the teeth, held tight by a tiny wedge. This helps make a mold, so the filling rebuilds your tooth’s shape and doesn’t stick it to the next tooth.

6. Putting in the Filling

If it’s a composite (tooth-colored) filling, they put in the material in layers and use a bright light to make it hard. Amalgam (silver) fillings or other stuff may be used in some cases, but composites are more common.

7. Shaping and Polishing

Finally, the dentist removes the band, smooths the filling, checks your bite, and polishes everything until it feels just right. For me, the whole thing took about 30–45 minutes, and once the numbness went away, my tooth felt totally normal—no extra pain.

> Pro Tip: If something feels “off” with your bite later—a high spot, a scratchy edge—go back to the dentist. It’s quick to fix and makes eating much better.

The Role of the Dental Team

Dental assistants help a ton. They use suction, pass tools, and make sure everything goes smoothly so you’re done faster.

Filling Materials for Between-Teeth Cavities

Not long ago, I worried that a filling between my teeth would look weird. The truth: dentists have plenty of choices.

Composite Resin: The Modern Fix

• What I Like Most: Composite resin can match my tooth color, so it basically disappears.
• Pros: Sticks right to your tooth, saves healthy tooth, strong, and great for front teeth.
• Cons: Can cost more and needs the dentist’s skill and a dry spot.

Amalgam (Silver Fillings): Still Around

• Pros: Very strong and not as expensive, good for big back teeth.
• Cons: Silver color stands out, and over time it can change with hot and cold foods, sometimes causing tiny cracks.

Most dentists use composites for side cavities—especially where you can see them—but amalgam is still used for bigger or tricky spots.

When the Cavity is Bigger

If a cavity is too big for a simple filling, dentists might use an inlay or onlay (made in a lab), or if it’s really bad, suggest a crown. The goal is always to save as much real tooth as possible.

If you want to know what happens in a crown and bridge lab that makes these, it’s a cool mix of machines and handwork.

Is Filling an Interproximal Cavity More Complex?

It is, and I’ve seen that myself.

Why Is It Tougher?

• Hard to See: Dentists can’t always look straight at the cavity, so they go by feel, X-rays, and experience.
• Tiny Working Area: They need tiny drills, matrix bands, and wedges to get in there and not hurt the next tooth.
• Getting It Just Right: The contact spot is super important. Too tight, you can’t floss. Too loose, food gets stuck. It’s a balance.
• Takes a Bit More Time: Don’t be surprised if it takes 10–15 minutes longer than a regular filling. Your dentist wants it just right so you’re comfortable and it lasts.

The dentist’s skill matters a lot for this. If you’re interested in the new tech behind making tooth fixes, a digital dental lab can help create even more exact restorations.

The Risks of Leaving an Interproximal Cavity Untreated

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that dental problems never just go away. Waiting it out doesn’t work. Here’s what might happen if you ignore a cavity between your teeth:

• Cavities Get Bigger: They start small, then the decay goes deeper into the enamel, then the soft inside. Next, it can reach the nerve (pulp), leading to lots of pain.
• Pain and Sensitivity: First, it’s only a little sensitive to cold or sweet stuff. Leave it, and it becomes a throbbing ache that keeps you up at night.
• Infection and Abscess: Once germs reach the nerve, it can form an abscess. This means swelling, pus, and maybe a fever—a big dental problem.
• Harms Neighbor Teeth: Cavities don’t care. If the decay is deep enough, it can start breaking down the tooth next to it.
• More Expensive Fixes: What started as an easy filling can turn into needing a root canal, crown, or even pulling the tooth. Nobody wants that.

In my story, a friend let a small cavity go until it became an abscess. The root canal and crown cost about three times more than a filling would have.

Preventing Cavities Between Teeth: Your Proactive Steps

After dealing with my first (and second!) cavity between my teeth, I changed my habits—and my way of thinking. Here’s what really helps:

Floss Every Day

It’s simple advice, but it works. Flossing scrapes off plaque that brushing alone misses. Skipping flossing is like cleaning only the tops of your shoes.

Interdental Brushes

For some people, small brushes or water flossers can clean out bits that even floss can’t reach, especially if gaps are a bit bigger.

Brush Two Times a Day (At Least!)

Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps make teeth stronger and can fix tiny damage before it turns into a cavity.

Watch Your Snacks

You know what helps: eat less sugar and less acid when you can. Drink water or milk instead of sweet drinks. Even picking snacks like cheese or nuts over candy helps both your teeth and your health.

Go to the Dentist Regularly (And Get X-rays)

I now book visits every six months, and I don’t skip X-rays. Early spotting is key—most cavities between teeth are easy and painless to fix if caught soon.

Fluoride Care

I used to say no to the “flavorless gel” at the end of a cleaning. Now, I always say yes—it’s just a few minutes and really helps.

Other Good Tips

• Use mouthwash for extra help, especially if you’re at higher risk for cavities.
• If your dentist offers sealants for adult back teeth at high risk, give it a thought.

I also learned that getting good dental work from a trusted dental ceramics lab can keep teeth healthier for years.

Can You Spot a Cavity Between Your Teeth?

Not really. Signs like new sensitivity, pain when biting, or food always getting stuck in the same spot can sometimes be clues, but you usually need a dentist or an X-ray to be sure.

Conclusion

Let me finish with this: cavities between teeth are common, treatable, and nothing to hide from your dentist about. I’ve had them, I’ve gotten them fixed, and I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) just how important flossing and regular dentist checkups are. X-rays find what our eyes can’t see, and the filling is a little more involved than a usual one—but it’s nothing crazy.

If you move fast, a dentist can save your tooth, keep your smile healthy, and stop bigger, costlier problems in the future. So don’t wait if you think you might have a cavity hidden between your teeth. Book a visit, ask about options (composite, amalgam, or even inlays), and take your dentist’s advice. You’ll be glad you did, trust me.

And remember—building simple habits for brushing, flossing, and eating smart is the best insurance for a cavity-free future.

Want to see more about the latest dental fixes? Check out what’s possible with a china dental lab—it’s awesome how these labs use new tech to make strong, nice-looking dental stuff.

Take care of your teeth today, and they’ll take care of you tomorrow. That’s my experience, and I hope it helps you, too.