Can cavities be filled if there is tartar buildup?

Jun 21, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

A piece of my tooth is missing, and I need to go to the hospital for a filling. I'm very worried about my condition and afraid it will affect my daily life. Can I get a filling if I have tartar buildup on my teeth?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
When dental calculus is present, it is generally not recommended to proceed directly with dental fillings. Dental calculus forms due to poor oral hygiene, resulting in the buildup of food debris. It not only causes teeth to yellow and leads to tooth pain, but may also negatively affect overall oral health. Performing a filling while dental calculus is present may worsen tooth damage and even trigger adverse reactions such as gum bleeding, causing unnecessary harm to the body. Therefore, it is advisable to first undergo scaling treatment to remove dental calculus before having a filling. Scaling effectively addresses problems caused by dental calculus and promotes better oral health. After scaling, teeth are in a healthier state, making subsequent filling procedures more effective and contributing to long-term oral health.