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The molars and premolars in the back of your mouth play a vital role in chewing and grinding the tough and hard foods you eat. Their ability to do this is thanks in part to the deep pits and fissures in the tooth enamel of the biting surface.

Unfortunately, the deep recesses in the tooth enamel can also start to trap bacterial deposits. If they are not thoroughly cleaned away by your daily oral hygiene regimen the constant presence of bacteria near the tooth enamel might increase the chances of a large cavity developing deep within the biting surface of a tooth.

Early symptoms of a problem like this could include a general discomfort, heightened sensitivity, and pain when biting down on the tooth. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to seek treatment at Dr. Ellie's Gentle Dentistry before more serious complications can develop.

If it’s detected early, Dr. Elhameh Allamehzadeh might be able to repair the tooth in question with a special inlay or onlay dental filling.

There is a modest distinction between these two types of dental fillings. Inlays are more often used to repair large cavities that are limited to the biting surface of a molar. An onlay filling might be called for to repair a larger area of tooth decay that affects more than the biting surface.

These dental fillings are often made from a gold or dental porcelain material. This means they will need to be prepared at a dental lab. Once we remove all traces of tooth decay, you will need to return for a second appointment to have the inlay or onlay cemented in place.

If you live in the San Diego, California, area and you are concerned that a cavity has formed on one of your teeth, you should call 619-542-1800 to seek treatment at Dr. Ellie's Gentle Dentistry.