Dental fillings involve removal of the damaged or decayed part of the teeth. Then, the space that has been damaged is subsequently filled using a material that helps prevent additional damage from occurring. By getting the filling done, you get to restore the aesthetic and functionality of your teeth. Fillings are made of glass ionomer, porcelain, gold, silver amalgam, or composite resin. Each of the materials has its pros. No matter which type of dental filling you choose, you can rest assured that it will help preserve the integrity of your gums and teeth.
How Can You Tell If You Require A Dental Filling?
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned below, you should consult with a dentist to get a dental filling.
- Tooth Sensitivity
One of the best signs that will tell you that you require a dental filling is tooth sensitivity. When the tooth has been damaged or chipped, it would experience sensitivity when exposed to cold or hot food and beverages. It is also possible to feel sensitivity when consuming sour, sticky, or sweet foods. Tooth sensitivity can be very painful. The pain can linger for as much as 15 to 30 minutes after coming into contact with the food. Most of the time, when you experience tooth sensitivity, all you require is dental fillings.
- Floss String Tears
Another sign which indicates that you should get dental fillings is when the floss strong tears every time you floss a specific tooth. It could be caused by a chipped or damaged tooth. Hence, you will need to get dental filling done. Generally, when you floss, the floss string should not tear. Consider using less pressure. However, if it still tears, you might need a filling.
- Damage to Previous Filling
In case your previous filling is missing, broken, or cracked, it would need to be replaced by a new filling. The dentist will determine the best course of action. It is important that you share your entire predicament with the dentist to ensure that the optimal solution is determined. It is common for fillings to get damaged with time. Hence, getting a new filling becomes necessary.
- Chipped or Fractured Tooth
Now, it is not necessary for you to experience tooth sensitivity when your tooth has been chipped or fractured. However, you would require a dental filling in case the tooth chips off or is fractured. It is possible for your teeth to get chipped or fractured with time. Therefore, if you spot chipped or fractured teeth, you should visit your dentist.
- Food Gets Stuck Between Teeth
If your food gets stuck between your teeth every time you eat, you need to get dental fillings to fill in the gaps. The last thing you need is for food particles to get stuck and cause plaque buildup. The dentist will fill the gap in no time and help ensure that your teeth look perfect.
- Dark Spots
It is possible for dark spots to appear in your tooth. In case this happens, you will need to get dental fillings. Otherwise, your tooth will continue to feel rough and might end up getting severely damaged. Therefore, it is in your best interests to book an appointment with your local dentist to address the problem.
- Sharp or Throbbing Pain
Finally, if you experience sharp or throbbing pain, you might need to get dental fillings. The pain could occur every time you chew food or bite something. To best deal with the pain, you need to visit a dentist and get dental fillings done.
Are Dental Fillings Right for You?
According to My Dentist San Francisco, several factors influence the performance, durability, longevity, and expense of dental restorations, including but not limited to filling material components, remaining tooth structure, placement of the fillings, and chewing load. The dentist will decide the best option depending on your particular case.
Benefits of Dental Fillings
There are plenty of benefits offered by dental fillings as mentioned below.
- Remedy More Than Just Cavities: There is no denying that tooth fillings help remedy cavities. However, a common misconception that most people have is that they believe that tooth fillings only treat the damaged part of the teeth, whereas, they help repair cracked and broken teeth.
- Last a Long Time: Another great thing about dental fillings is that they last a long time. If you take good care of the fillings, they might last for as long as 15 years.
- Match Surrounding Teeth: The fillings that are available today match surround teeth. This means that they use material that looks aesthetically closer to natural teeth.
Conclusion
Dental fillings help protect your teeth and ensure that you do not experience any pain while eating a variety of foods. Make sure to consult with your dentist when you suffer from any of the signs mentioned above.
