Do You Need a Dental Filling? 5 Signs of Tooth Decay

Thinking that you need a dental filling but not quite sure? You are definitely not alone. According to Cleveland Clinic, tooth decay is the destruction of tooth structure and can affect the enamel of the tooth, the dentin layer of the tooth and even the pulp of a tooth.

Since it can be difficult to determine a cavity when it is in its beginning stages, it is important for everyone to make regular dental appointments. A dental professional will not only perform a visual inspection, but they will also use an X-ray to show any tooth imperfections that may currently exist. It is always easier to treat a cavity in its beginning stages vs. it’s later stages.

About dental fillings

Modern advances in the dental world make it easier than ever for dentists to provide their patients with the dental fillings necessary to save a tooth. Understand that untreated cavities can potentially lead to an infection and ultimately lead to tooth loss. When it comes to filling a cavity nowadays, dentists will ask their patients the type of material that they want to use to fill the cavity, as cosmetics are now a top priority when performing dental restorations. dental filling options include the silver filling so many people are familiar with, gold fillings that are both durable and stylish and even tooth-colored fillings.

Signs of tooth decay

The following is a list of five common signs of tooth decay. If any of the below signs are present, it is necessary to make a dental appointment for further evaluation.

1. Sensitivity

Any level of tooth sensitivity is a sign of tooth decay. The worse the decay becomes, the more sensitive the teeth will become.

2. A cracked or chipped tooth

Once a tooth has a crack or a chip in it, it is now more vulnerable to bacteria. A buildup of bacteria weakens teeth and accordingly makes them more susceptible to decay.

3. Toothache, tooth pain

The most common type of tooth pain is a toothache. When someone experiences tooth pain it means that the nerve in their tooth is being affected, which is more often than not due to decay.

4. Spots on teeth

Grey, brown and/or black spots that appear on the teeth are signs of tooth decay.

5. Ongoing bad breath

Bad breath and/or an unpleasant taste in one’s mouth is caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. Since too much bacteria leads to tooth decay, ongoing bad breath is one of the more common signs of tooth decay.

Are you currently experiencing any of the above signs?

Is a dental filling in your near future? If you have any of the above signs, it is possible that you have a cavity in your tooth. The sooner you get a proper diagnosis so you can know for sure, the better.

When you have decay on one or more of your teeth, all teeth are now in jeopardy. It is essential that you do not let the decay continue to spread and this is why cavity treatment is so important.

Simply call us and let us know what a convenient time for you to come in is so that we can take care of your tooth decay. Most cavities can be treated in less than one hour!