What are the Signs or Symptoms that I Need a Dental Filling?

Dental fillings help restore cavities and dental problems that would have caused a huge problem in your dental health. Basically, they are used to plug holes in the teeth left by tooth decay so teeth can continue functioning and remain healthy. Today, most fillings are made of body-friendly materials like porcelain ceramic, composite materials, silver amalgam, and gold porcelain. Dental fillings can even be tooth-colored so they match the color of your teeth and make them less noticeable.

When do I Need a Dental Filling?

The only person who can absolutely tell that you need a filling is a dental professional. They will closely examine your teeth, maybe take an x-ray and determine the work that needs to be done to restore them. However, there are a few signs and symptoms that can tell you that you might have a cavity in your mouth that requires a filling, including:

A jagged or rough feeling in the tooth when you run your tongue or finger over it
A visible hole in the tooth or a mark indicating that a hole exists
Dental floss that frays when flossing between a particular set of teeth
Mouth pain, including sharp pains, throbbing pains, and toothaches
Sensitivity or pain in the tooth you touch or apply pressure on it

Even if you do not experience any of the symptoms above, there is still a chance that you might still have tooth decay that requires a filling. This is usually the case with smaller holes that exist in the teeth but do not necessarily cause you any discomfort or pain. Visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup and cleaning to protect yourself from cavities.

What Happens if I Ignore Cavities?

If you do not regularly visit your dentist or choose not to go ahead with a filling, your teeth can suffer very damaging effects. For one, your tooth will continue to rot and develop into dental decay that can affect your overall health. This can cause you a great deal of pain, making eating uncomfortable and difficult. Ignoring cavities can also cause mouth infections like gum disease and gingivitis. The cavities can enlarge, forcing further decay so tooth extraction or root canal treatment is the only way to resolve the problem.

Common Questions about Dental Filling

Will it hurt to get a filling?

Getting a filling does not hurt. Your dentist will usually use a local anesthetic to make sure that there is little to no discomfort during the procedure. Plus, the pain caused by a hole in the tooth is more than any perceived pain when getting a filling.

How long will it take to get a filling?

A dental filling procedure will usually take around 30 to 60 minutes to complete. However, in instances where the cavity is large, or if there are multiple cavities, more time may be needed to do so.

Are dental fillings expensive?

Today, fillings are generally very affordable for everyone, especially if you have health insurance. If you do, the treatment costs may be wholly or partially covered.

Will my tooth feel different after the procedure?

Your teeth might feel a bit strange after the dental filling procedure. But in a day or two, they should go back to feeling and perform like before.

If you have any more questions about a dental filling, or you feel any discomfort or pain and think that you might have a cavity, schedule an appointment with a reputable dentist in your area now to determine if you need a dental filling.