How common are cavity fillings?

Almost everyone has one or two cavities in their lifetime, even with good dental hygiene. The average American adult has three fillings. In short, the answer is no. Dental fillings are used to treat cavities because the dentist tends to want to remove the decayed part (the cavity) and fill it to prevent further damage.

While there are no ways to remove a cavity without using a filling, there are ways to reverse tooth decay. Read more below as we address the inverse forms of decay. The biggest threat to oral health is tooth decay. While cavities are preventable, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that at least 92% of adults have had at least one in a permanent tooth.

If you're among people who have had cavities, a filling has probably been used to treat it. This provides an effective, long-term solution to saving your smile, but do fillings need to be replaced? Here's what you need to know to make sure your tooth stays strong and healthy. Studies show that more than 90% of Americans have some level of tooth decay, while 25% have one or more cavities that haven't yet been filled.