Cavities – Don’t Let Them Stick Around
Fillings What Are They?
Fillings are extremely common and are generally used to treat dental decay. It’s vital to avoid decay if possible and often best to treat it immediately. Tooth decay is a prevalent health problem and fillings are one of the most common ways to repair the damage that decay can cause. If you require a filling, or wish to replace your existing silver fillings, you may be pleased to discover that we only use white coloured, high quality materials at Chinook Mall Family Dental Clinic.
White fillings are a type of tooth restoration most commonly used to fill cavities, which are small holes in the teeth caused by dental decay. White fillings are made from composite and are very popular because they blend in perfectly with the colour of natural teeth. This ensures that you cannot distinguish the filling from the rest of the tooth. Initially, there was concern that white fillings may not be as strong as metal fillings, but modern materials are much stronger, durable and suitable for most teeth. White fillings are not always appropriate for teeth with large cavities. An alternative would be to place porcelain restorations such as inlays or crowns. The life expectancy of a white filling can depend greatly on where it is in your mouth and how heavily your teeth come together when you bite. Your dentist can advise you on the life expectancy of your fillings.
Do You Have a Cavity?
Toothache or Sharp Pain tooth ache sign you need tooth filling
One of the clearest ways to tell you need a filling is when you experience pain in your tooth. Unless you have recently damaged the tooth, it is likely that you have developed a cavity near the location of the toothache. This may be a constant toothache that throbs and aches no matter what you do. It may also be a sharp pain that you feel when chewing or drinking something hot or cold. If this pain continues and becomes more frequent, then you should see your dentist soon.
Sensitivity
Sometimes, people have naturally sensitive teeth. This comes from overactive tooth and gum nerves; or it can stem from receding gums that are slowly exposing the nerves. If tooth sensitivity is a new sensation, it could be indicative of worn enamel and developing cavities that need fillings—especially if sensitivity is isolated to just one area.
Dark Spot or Hole in Tooth
If you can actually spot what might be a cavity, then you should definitely see your dentist for a filling. A noticeable cavity will probably look like a dark spot or hole on your tooth. If the cavity has become very large, you may even be able to feel the hole with your tongue or finger. See your dentist right away before that filling turns into a root canal and crown procedure.
Broken or Lost Filling
Though you may not be able to tell, sometimes you can lose or break a filling. You may be able to feel or see where a filling has popped out, or you can simply feel that something is different with the tooth. Make an appointment to see your dentist, so he can replace the filling before bacteria invades the drilled cavity.
Signs Your Filling Is No Longer Doing Its Job
Lost Filling
If your filling begins to crumble or falls out completely, it’s obviously time for a new one. Fillings can sometimes fall out if you bite into a piece of food or a hard object and break part of your tooth. Composite resin fillings can fall out in some cases if saliva enters the tooth when it’s being filled. Saliva is a problem because it interferes with proper bonding of the composite resin. After a filling falls out, your tooth may hurt when it’s exposed to hot or cold temperatures. Using temporary filling material, found in drug and other stores, will seal your tooth and reduce sensitivity until it’s time for your dental appointment.
Cracks
Cracks can develop in fillings due to wear and tear. They’re particularly common in people who grind or clench their teeth at night. If a crack develops in a filling, bacteria can enter the tooth and cause decay. You may notice that your tooth hurts when you chew if decay forms under a filling. If cracks are small and only appear on the edge of your filling, your dentist may be able to repair them without replacing the filling. You’ll be able to see large cracks if you examine your mouth with a flashlight and small mirror, but small cracks may only be spotted during dental visits.
Leaks
Leaks are gaps between the side of the tooth and the filling material. They’re a problem because they allow saliva and food particles to enter your teeth, causing tooth decay and pain. In some cases, leaks can also cause a discoloration in your tooth.
If you need a filling, Dr. Charchuk will talk you through the options in materials and suggest which one may be best for you and the position of the tooth in your mouth. The staff at our CF Chinook Centre Dentist Office can also answer any other questions and help you learn how to look after your teeth to avoid needing fillings in the future.
