Dental fillings are often used by dentists to treat dental cavities. In some cases, they may also be recommended to repair cracked or worn-down teeth. Dentists look for certain signs to determine if a dental filling is necessary or if the patient would benefit more from other types of restorative care. In this review, we discuss the common signs that indicate a need for dental fillings.
The three common signs that indicate a need for dental fillings are small holes in teeth, tooth discomfort, and tooth discoloration. Here is a closer look at each of these signs.
The term cavity refers to an opening or hole that develops on the surface of a tooth. This occurs when the enamel breaks down due to acid that is released by a combination of bacteria and food particles (i.e., sugar). The most noticeable sign that indicates that a patient needs a dental filling is a hole that can be felt or observed on the outermost layer of a tooth (or multiple teeth). A large hole may indicate a need for more extensive treatment, such as root canal therapy and/or a dental crown. However, dental fillings can repair most small holes in teeth, regardless of the location of the tooth and the cavity.
Some cavities are easier to detect than others. There are cases where the hole on the tooth is not obvious, like when it is on the backside or chewing surface of a molar. However, there are other signs to look for when determining if a dental filling is necessary. Specifically, many patients report tooth pain and sensitivity, as the outermost layer of teeth — the enamel — has worn away and exposed the underlying layers. These layers contain nerves and blood vessels, hence the sensitivity and pain when exposed to hot and cold substances.
A dentist may recommend dental fillings if the patient has dark spots on their teeth, also known as tooth discoloration. The specific color depends on the severity of the cavity. If the enamel is only weakened and not eroded, the tooth may be bright white. In this case, a filling may not be necessary, and the goal may instead be to strengthen the enamel. However, if the tooth is starting to turn a dark color, that indicates a cavity and a need for a dental filling (or another form of restorative care).
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Fillings in Naples, FL
If you notice tooth pain and sensitivity, dark spots on your teeth, or holes in one or more of your teeth, we strongly encourage you to schedule a visit here at our dental practice. We can assess the status of your teeth and determine if dental fillings are an appropriate treatment solution.
Request an appointment or call Naples Dental and Wellness Center at 239-963-2325 for an appointment in our Naples office.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is an essential part of overall health and well-being. It can prevent issues like tooth decay and gum disease. A general dentist can help educate patients about properly caring for their teeth, treating oral health issues, and more. Here are some practical tips to help you achieve a bright and healthy…
Dentistry encompasses a broad range of skills and areas of focus designed to maintain or improve oral health. General dentists are the most commonly thought of practitioners, and rightfully so, with many seeing them at least twice a year. However, there are a host of dental specialists that individuals may need to encounter at some…
A general dentist is usually the primary caretaker for oral health, providing routine and preventative care. However, some choose only to schedule an appointment once they have an issue they can no longer ignore or self-treat. Either way, a general dentist has many of the services you need to obtain or maintain optimal oral health.The…