What are the signs you may need a tooth filling?

1. You can see a cavity
2. Your tooth is sensitive
3. Your tooth hurts
4. Your tooth is cracked or chipped
5. Your tooth has a visible hole
6. You have a bad breath
7. An old filling is damaged or missing

Tooth fillings are a way that dentists treat small holes or cavities in a tooth. In this procedure, your dentist will remove any damaged or decaying tooth tissue, and fill the space with a filling material.

But when would you need this procedure done? Not everyone is familiar with the warning signs of oral problems — and oftentimes, this problem can easily be missed. 

In this case, you might want to figure out the signs you may need a tooth filling. Keep reading to learn more. 

What is a tooth cavity?

A tooth cavity, also known as cavities or tooth decay, is a result of eating foods enriched in sugar or snacking frequently, bacteria in your mouth, or not taking proper care of your teeth. In most cases, having a cavity usually means you need a tooth filling.

Unfortunately, a tooth cavity can permanently damage the affected area of your tooth and will soon develop into holes. Children, teenagers, adults, and even infants can develop a tooth cavity.

What happens when you have a tooth cavity?

Three things may happen when you have a cavity that has gone unnoticed and progressed into a serious oral problem: 

• Severe toothache
• Infection
• Tooth loss

Since tooth decay is a serious dental problem, what are the signs that you may need a tooth filling?

You can see a cavity

Cavities look like dark spots on your tooth, that can’t be removed by brushing or flossing. If you’re seeing these on your teeth, it’s a sure possibility that you’re dealing with a cavity. 

You need to go to a dental clinic immediately to have it examined or else it may completely damage the affected tooth. 

There are cases when your tongue can feel the tooth cavity or hole while your naked eyes can’t see it. It’s because cavities are hard to detect until they become big, which requires a tooth filling.

Your tooth is sensitive

If you feel or notice that you’re sensitive to hot or cold foods, it’s an indication that you have a tooth cavity that needs to be filled. The more sensitive your tooth is, the higher the chances are that you have a cavity. This is because the damage to your tooth allows hot and cold foods or drinks to penetrate and trigger the sensitive tissue inside your tooth. 

Your tooth hurts

Some people still find it tolerable when their tooth hurts because they deem it curable by medicine or that the pain will fade over time, but the truth is, whether the pain is steady or it comes on and off, it’s a sure sign that you need a tooth filling.

Not going to a dentist can make the problem worse. Given enough time, fillings will no longer be possible and your tooth will need a root canal treatment, which is a more serious procedure. 

Your tooth is cracked or chipped

No matter how small the damage is, a cracked or chipped tooth requires a filling, which means it’s recommended to visit a dentist to assess your tooth and also recommend you the best treatment for a tooth repair.

Your tooth has a visible hole

Unfortunately, the moment your naked eyes can see a visible hole in your tooth, it’s an indication that it immediately needs a filling. Once you see this, it’s best not to ignore it and have your tooth treated by a dentist to address the issue right away.

You have a bad breath

Once the cavities have infected your tooth, it then creates a bad odor, causing you to have bad breath. If it gets more serious, your overall taste will also be affected as the cavity digs deeper into your tooth.

An old filling is damaged or missing

An old filling needs to be replaced when it’s damaged or missing. The main cause of a damaged or missing old filling is because of lack of oral and dental hygiene, which causes the old filling to fall out. In this case, you need to visit a dentist to have your tooth refilled again and address your dental issues.

Here are a few tips to help you maintain your current teeth fillings:

• Brushing your teeth at least 2-3 times a day or 30 mins after meals
• Use floss before brushing at least once a day
• Rinsing your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash
• Eating healthy foods
• Avoiding foods or drinks that are riched in sugar or acid
• Visiting your dentist regularly

Key Takeaway

Now that you’ve read about the signs you may need a tooth filling, then it’s time for you to visit your dentist. Here at Elevate Dental, we have excellent dental filling services to immediately repair your damaged teeth. You can choose from our wide range of fillings here.

If you want to learn more about this treatment, you can schedule a consultation at Elevate Dental. We have dentists that are friendly, knowledgeable, and experts that can save or repair your teeth.