A hole in my tooth
A visible hole in a tooth is commonly a cavity, but a broken filling, crack, or worn tooth can look similar.
The short answer
A hole is lost tooth structure from caries, fracture, erosion, or a failed restoration. Acids from plaque dissolve enamel and can reach dentin.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Keep it clean, avoid hard foods on that side, and use fluoride toothpaste. Do not put aspirin or household materials in the opening.
What can you do next?
Book promptly for pain, swelling, food trapping, bad taste, fever, or night pain. Facial swelling or breathing difficulty is urgent.
When should you seek dental care?
Ask how deep the defect is and whether it needs a filling, crown, root canal treatment, or removal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main thing to know?
A hole is lost tooth structure from caries, fracture, erosion, or a failed restoration. Acids from plaque dissolve enamel and can reach dentin.
What should I watch for?
Ask how deep the defect is and whether it needs a filling, crown, root canal treatment, or removal.