Do I Need a Dental Filling?

Sometimes, discovering your tooth has a cavity can come as a total surprise. In fact, it can be extremely difficult to tell you have tooth decay present when it’s hidden on a back tooth, between two teeth (interproximal) or simply not visible to the naked eye. But other times, your smile may experience changes that are much more noticeable. Here’s a closer look at some important warning signs that could indicate a cavity is forming, and what you should do if you spot them.

What is a Cavity?

A dental cavity is a permanent area of decay that causes an opening into your tooth. Typically, it develops when oral bacteria create acids that erode the enamel as a biproduct of their digestion from consuming things like dental plaque and sugars left behind in your mouth.

Signs and Symptoms of Cavities

While it is not always possible to tell that you have a cavity on your own, there are some common symptoms you should be aware of:

• Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, acidic, and sweet foods.
• Toothache.
• A sharp, throbbing pain in the tooth.
• Pain when biting or chewing.
• A hole or dark spot you can see or feel.
• Dental floss getting caught or tearing in a specific spot.
• Food that gets trapped between certain teeth.
• A tooth that feels rough
• An area of tooth with a lost or broken filling
• A chipped or fractured tooth

How Will My Dentist Decide if I Need a Filling?

Whether you notice changes in your oral health that lead you to believe you may have a cavity, or your dentist diagnoses your tooth with decay during your dental exam, it is up to him to determine the best treatment for this damage. To help make this decision, he will perform the following:

• A visual examination may be performed with the help of a dental probe. Your dentist will attempt to see if the tool ‘sticks’ in the tooth, indicating it has softened due to decay.
• Dental X-rays can help see deep into the tooth where cavities are forming and show the difference between healthy and damaged enamel that may not be visible to the naked eye.

If your dentist discovers any cavities or decay, he will prescribe a tooth-colored filling. For this treatment, your tooth will be numbed, the damaged enamel will be removed, the tooth will be sanitized, and then a new filling will be created with durable, natural-looking tooth-colored composite resin. He will then apply layers of this compound until the damaged area has been replaced and then cure the restoration with a light that is completely safe and painless. Once hardened, the filling can be shaped and polished, so it looks and feels just like a real tooth.

How Can I Prevent Cavities from Forming?

The good news is that dental cavities are completely preventable with excellent oral hygiene practices such as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, eating a diet that is low in sugar and carbohydrates, and visiting your dentist every six months for your regular preventive exams and cleanings. In the meantime, if you notice any changes to your teeth and gums, be sure to reach out to your dentist as soon as possible for an urgent evaluation. While developing cavities can be easily detected at your biannual appointments, the sooner you seek treatment, the less chance they will have to become larger, more painful, and more expensive to fix later.

Remember, while it may not always be obvious that you have tooth decay, if you notice any of the above symptoms, be sure to contact your dentist as soon as possible for help, and soon you’ll have a beautiful, pain-free smile to share with the world!

About Dr. Lu

Dr. Henry Lu earned his dental degree at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. He is a proud, active member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Texas Dental Association (TDA). If you are experiencing any changes in your teeth, even if they don’t hurt, don’t wait until your regular dental check-up for help. Schedule an urgent appointment with Skillman Family Dentistry of Dallas today and protect your smile with a tooth-colored filling. To book your appointment, visit our website or call us today at 469-998-9822.