Signs You May Need a Dental Filling
While almost anyone knows how to take care of their teeth—brushing, flossing, and regular dentist appointments—oral health problems may still arise, even for those who do everything right. One of the more common oral health issues is tooth decay. This generally requires a filling. The ability to recognize the signs that you might need a dental filling can help prevent further damage and discomfort. Whether it is tooth sensitivity or even visible holes in the teeth, these symptoms must not be ignored. In case of suspected tooth decay or need for a dental filling, it is time to get help from Aurora Smiles expert Dental Treatment in Mt Vernon, NY.
What is a dental filling?
A filling is a common restorative method used for teeth that are moderately to mildly damaged due to decay or fracture. The dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth and fill the cavity with a restorative material, like amalgam-silver, composite resin-tooth-colored, or inlay/onlay-porcelain. In addition to restoring the function of your tooth, fillings also protect it from further decay.
If you think you may need a filling, here are some surefire signs that indicate it is time to see a Dentist in Mt Vernon, NY.
1. Tooth Sensitivity
One of the earlier signs you may need to get a dental filling is when one becomes very sensitive with their teeth. You might feel this, especially when you drink or eat something hot or cold. The sensitivity can be in the form of slight discomfort to a sharp and lingering pain. These types of sensitivity start occurring generally when the enamel layer that protects your teeth has worn off, hence leaving the inner layers (dentin) of your tooth exposed.
If left alone, this can lead to worse problems, such as cavities or an infection, possibly needing serious treatments involving a root canal.
2. Toothache or Lingering Pain
Other obvious signs that you might need a filling include toothaches. The pain can either be constant or periodical. A toothache is usually a sign that the decay has reached the sensitive inner surface of your tooth. Such pain may worsen when chewing or biting down on food; this could mean that the decay has reached substantial enough to involve the nerve of the tooth. Ignoring it in the hope that it would just disappear might cause further dental damage, such as an infection or even an abscess.
3. Holes in Your Teeth or Dark Spots
Sometimes, decay shows up as visible holes or dark spots on the surface of your teeth. This is usually a sign that the cavity has been in furtherance and the enamel worn out enough that one now has a noticeable cavity. These signs shouldn’t be left unnoticed; if left untreated, the decay will continue to progress.
If some unusual holes or spots are noticed on the teeth, it is very important to see a professional as soon as possible. Fillings can almost instantly and easily restore the integrity of the tooth, saving it from more serious damage.
4. Cracked or Chipped Teeth
Both chipped or fractured teeth may be caused by biting on something hard, an injury, and even when your tooth decay has already weakened your tooth structure. When a tooth is either fractured or chipped, it allows bacteria to gain easy access to the inner layers of your tooth, which may increase the tendency for further decay or infection.
If one of your teeth becomes cracked or chipped, do not wait until a pain develops. A filling can be used in order to repair the damaged tooth, a process in which its strength is restored.
5. Bad Breath or Bad Taste in Your Mouth
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth may also be a sign of dental caries or a pus infection. As bacteria accumulate in the decayed parts of your teeth, they may give off foul odors that cause bad breath. Similarly, decay can lead to a foul taste in your mouth that doesn’t go away with the use of brushing or mouthwash.
Bad breath can be caused by a number of factors including poor oral hygiene and/or dietary habits but it is worth consulting with a Dentist in Mt Vernon, NY if the problem persists. If decay is the cause, a dental filling will have eliminated the source of the problem.
6. Tooth Discoloration
Other symptoms that indicate one needs a filling are discoloration of the tooth. When one or several teeth appear much darker than their normal color, this could be because of the decaying process. In most instances, as the decay progresses, the complete tooth may become grayish or turn completely black. This discoloration at times might look like a shadow or black spot on the tooth.
7. Tooth Shape or Surface Texture Abnormalities
Other clues that you might need a filling include changes in the contour or surface texture of your teeth. Sometimes, the decay will cause the tooth to be worn or deformed. You can either feel this change with your tongue, or the bite just feels different upon chewing.
These changes, if early detected, would aid you in avoiding further decaying and save your tooth structure. If any of these unusual changes are noticed in the teeth, make sure to schedule a dental exam with a Dentist in Mt Vernon, NY.
Why You Should Not Delay The Treatment
If you observe any of the above signs, dental treatment should not be delayed. Damage that apparently starts as a small cavity rapidly progresses into a more serious problem; this may require treatment with a root canal or even tooth extraction. Fillings are a straightforward and effective method to arrest the progress of tooth decay and restore oral health.
Conclusion
The best way to avoid oral complications is to recognize the signs that may indicate you need a dental filling. Sensitivity, pain, visible holes, cracks, bad breath, discoloration, and changes in tooth shape are all signals that something could be wrong. With timely treatment from a reliable dentist in Mt. Vernon, NY, such as Dr. Amul Patel at Aurora Smiles, can prevent serious complications and keep your smile healthy and beautiful.
Is any of the above symptoms occurring, or do simply you need to check up? Then contact Aurora Smiles for professional Dental Treatment in Mt. Vernon, NY. Your teeth—and your overall well-being—will thank you!