Living with cavities or a cracked tooth is a challenge. Not only are cavities a threat to your dental health, but they also stop you from enjoying your favorite foods. To correct this problem, your dentist may recommend fillings Pearland. Dental fillings save your original tooth structure by stopping the decay from progressing. It is important to spot a tooth that needs dental fillings early on. This can save you loads of cash and impart comfort as soonest. A visibly cracked tooth or a cavity is the obvious sign you need a filling. However, there are other oblivious signs and instances when you may need dental fillings. When do you need dental fillings? This guide imparts you with the information you need to seek dental filling services.
What are dental fillings?
Dental fillings or tooth fillings are special materials, such as silver amalgams or resins, that dentists use to fill the cavity holes in your teeth. Dental cavities may be caused by poor oral hygiene, aging, bruxism, or intense pressure from grinding your jaw. The holes generally worsen over time and may require expensive dental treatment to eliminate them. Without prompt dental attention, the cavities may cause tooth loss.
Tooth fillings cover the holes, preserving your overall tooth structure. Only a qualified dentist can determine if your cavities need drilling and filling.
When do you need dental fillings?
Cavities are the most common sign you need dental fillings. Other top signs and symptoms that indicate you need a dental filling are:
Tooth Sensitivity
If you flinch when you bite into hot or cold foods, sensitivity is a sign you need to visit a dentist. Teeth sensitivity is typically indicative of advanced decay or slow-growing cavities.
Your tooth aches
A toothache is not the kind to wish away. Tooth pain can occur for many reasons; cavities are just one of them. You should go to the dentist immediately if you are experiencing throbbing pain or slow aching.
You have discolored teeth
Over time your enamel loses color due to aging and frequent friction. However, if your teeth rapidly discolor, it means acids from sugary foods are fast-acting on your teeth. Over time the acid causes cavities. The dentist may recommend fillings to prevent the action of acid on your enamel.
You have a visible hole
By rolling your tongue around your tooth, you can feel its structure. Tiny holes are harder to spot using the technique. Regular dental checkups can help detect the holes. Self-checking is also possible when you brush your teeth in front of a mirror.
Fractured teeth
A fractured or chipped tooth needs dental fillings to maintain the tooth’s integrity and prevent painful chewing. Tooth fractures can occur from contact sports, aging, accidents, or trauma to the mouth.
How do dental fillings work?
If you suspect you need fillings and have sought treatment, the dentists will perform an exhaustive probe to assess whether you need filling. The dentist will perform a visual assessment, palpation, and run X-ray scans as part of the diagnosis. After the testing, the dentist will inject local anesthesia, drill the affected tooth, and apply a new filling. Fillings plug the hole imparting normal chewing and keeping your dental health in pristine condition.
Not everyone will need dental fillings
Although you may have signs indicating you need a filling, that is not always the case. Sometimes the dentist may recommend sealants or fluoride treatments to treat the symptoms. It is imperative to visit a qualified dentist if you have any of the above symptoms.
Dental fillings are beneficial when trying to maintain your tooth’s structure. The tooth-filling process takes about 30-60 minutes to complete. There are different types of fillings that you may choose based on the dentist’s recommendation. Now that you know when you may need dental fillings, you can book yourself into a dental center and receive the appropriate treatment for your cavities.
