Taking care of your teeth is necessary to maintain proper oral health, but there will be times when cavities and decay occur despite proper care. Having knowledge about the initial signs of tooth damage can help you receive treatment on time and prevent further complications. If you are interested in knowing how to know if you need a filling, this article will guide you through the main symptoms, causes, and treatments.
What is a Dental Filling?
A dental filling is a common procedure that is used to fix teeth that have been destroyed by cavities, tiny cracks, or erosion. The tooth is cleaned of the decayed part and the cavity is filled with a hard material like composite resin, amalgam, gold, or ceramic. This makes the tooth look as good as it did before as well as halts the destruction from continuing.
Typical Indications That You Might Require a Filling
1. Tooth Sensitivity
If you are sensitive to consuming warm, cold, or sweet food and drinks, it is an indication that your enamel is decayed or eroded. Why sensitivity occurs is that the outer layer of the tooth has been dissolved, exposing the inner dentin to outside stimuli. This area may be sealed and sensitivity alleviated with a filling.
2. Recurring Toothache
A persistent or chronic toothache, particularly upon chewing or biting, can be an indication of a cavity. The pain is usually caused by bacteria penetrating far into the tooth, irritating the nerves. Left untreated, the decay can spread, causing more serious dental problems that might necessitate more than a filling.
3. Holes or Dark Spots on the Tooth
Dark spots, holes, or pits on the teeth can be early signs of decay. Cavities are seen as brown, black, or white spots on the surface of the tooth. A dentist close to you can examine the extent of the decay and decide if a filling is required.
4. Rough or Chipped Teeth
Rough, chipped, or uneven teeth could be compromised by decay. The structure can be repaired and rough edges smoothed by a filling to stop further wear down.
5. Food Sticking in Certain Areas
If food often catches in one region of your teeth, it may be a sign of an emerging cavity. Spaces created by the decay allow particles of food to be trapped easily, and bacteria will accumulate there, making the decay worse.
6. Bad Breath or Offensive Taste
Continuous bad breath or a lasting foul taste in your mouth could be caused by bacteria building up in rotting areas. If brushing and flossing are not successful, it may be an indication that a filling is necessary.
The Dental Filling Procedure
Once a dentist determines fillings are required your treatment will follow these general steps:
- Examination and Diagnosis – The dentist near you diagnoses cavities via visual inspection and X-ray tests.
- Numbing the Area – Local anesthesia is applied right at the beginning to prevent pain during the procedure.
- Removing Decay – The tooth is cleaned up to remove any decayed material.
- Cleaning the Affected Area – It is important that the cavity is thoroughly cleaned to remove all bacteria and debris.
- Filling Placement – The chosen filling material is placed and shaped to match the rest of the tooth for a natural look.
- Final Adjustments and Polishing – The dentist reviews the filling to ensure it is comfortable and then polishes it to give it a shiny surface.
Choose Westend Dental for Professional Care
The longer you delay treatment for a cavity, the more chance it will cause further damage to your teeth. At Westend Dental, our personnel will provide quality service in the rehabilitation of the mouth and maintenance of good health. If you’re looking for a dentist in Winnipeg, schedule an appointment today to ensure your teeth stay strong and healthy!