Over 80% of people experience tooth pain each year. Tooth pain stems from a variety of problems like cavities, injury, or crowding. Getting a tooth filling can help these types of pain.
A tooth filling consists of the dentist removing the decay from your tooth and filling the space with a bonding material. In some cases, it may need reshaping.
But how do you know that you need a tooth filling? What are the signs to look for? Here are five signs that you may need a tooth filling.
1) Cavities
90% of people over the age of 20 have at least one cavity. Signs of a cavity might include pain, sensitivity, holes in your teeth, or discoloration on the top of your tooth. Some cavities go undetected unless you see a dentist on a regular basis.
Cavities can cause dental decay if they’re not treated. Cavity treatment involves removing the decay and getting a tooth filling. This filling prevents the decay from infecting the rest of your teeth.
2) You’ve Lost A Filling
If you’ve had a previous filling, but you’ve lost it or it’s damaged, it’s time to get a new filling. Without the filling in place, you expose your tooth to various bacteria which could cause more dental problems.
When you’re consistently visiting your dentist twice a year, they’ll check the state of your filling. If they find problems with it, they’ll replace it. Call your dentist right away if you discover that you’ve lost your filling.
3) Pain
Tooth pain has a variety of causes and sometimes that cause isn’t always clear. However, sometimes decay spreads to the depts of the tooth, called the pulp, and that needs removing as soon as possible.
If your dentist finds deep decay, they’ll perform a root canal to extract the decay and usually give you a filling. Regardless, you’ll want to contact your dentist if you have tooth pain.
4) Injury
Teeth become cracked, chipped, damaged, or broken and when this happens you should visit a dentist. Damaged teeth cause more problems and pain.
Dentists offer a variety of treatments for damaged teeth and that includes fillings. This depends on the size and severity of the damage, but if a dentist can repair the tooth with a filling, they may.
5) Bad Breath
Halitosis is the scientific name for bad breath. Bad breath doesn’t just come from forgetting to brush your teeth, but from lingering bacteria and cavities in your mouth. The cavities in your teeth harbor food which causes odors contributing to bad breath.
If you suffer from bad breath, and you’ve taken steps to fix it, see a dentist about filling cavities.
6) Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity occurs due to worn tooth enamel which exposes the roots of the tooth. When your teeth come in contact with extreme hot or cold temperatures it causes a painful sensation.
Usually, a sign of tooth sensitivity is a cavity, in which case you’ll need a filling. There are other reasons for tooth sensitivity, so make sure you tell your dentist about any sensitivity you might have.
The Process of Getting A Filling
Getting a filling at the dentist sounds like a scary process. However, dental technology is constantly improving to make you more comfortable. Here’s what you can expect if your dentist says you need a tooth filling.
First, you’ll schedule your appointment. Tooth fillings may take an hour or more depending on how many fillings you need, so make sure you have plenty of time.
To minimize the pain, the dentist applies a numbing gel to the site where they’ll administer the anesthetic. Once the numbing gel takes effect, the dentist injects the anesthetic to completely numb your gums. If you prefer other methods of sedation, you’ll want to discuss these with your dentist before the procedure.
Your dentist then removes the decay from your tooth using a drill. You may feel some pressure, but it should not be painful.
Once the cavity is removed, they’ll fill the hole using composite material and harden it so it bonds to your tooth. Some dentists use metal to fill cavities as well.
After the filling process, the dentist polishes and shapes the filling so your bite is normal.
Once the process is finished, your dentist gives you take-home instructions. They’ll recommend you refrain from eating hard or sticky foods for a time and may recommend taking over-the-counter pain medication after the anesthetic wears off.
Caring For Your Filling
Fillings last several years, but it’s equally important that you care for them to prolong their lives. Here are a few tips to take care of your filling at home.
Continue with a healthy oral routine which includes brushing, flossing, and visiting a dentist regularly. Keeping bacteria away from your filling reduces the risk of early replacement.
Limit sugary foods. Bacteria love lingering sugar and produce tartar on your teeth if it’s not removed. By limiting your sugar intake and brushing your teeth afterward, you reduce your chances of gum disease and destroying your filling.
Hard foods have a tendency to break fillings if you’re not careful. If you’re going to eat hard foods, try chewing on the side without the filling to prevent damage.
Do You Need A Tooth Filling?
Getting a tooth filling may sound scary at first, but it makes you more comfortable and restores your tooth after the removal of decay. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, call your dentist to see if a tooth filling may help you.
Are you looking for a dentist in Katy, TX? Contact our office today to schedule your appointment for a possible filling.