Sometimes you can just tell when something is wrong with your tooth. Maybe it feels sensitive to hot, cold, or foods that are acidic or sweet. Perhaps it aches constantly. You might even feel throbbing pain when you lie down. When this occurs, it could be a sign that you have a cavity and need a filling. Here are a few warning signs that you may have dental decay, and the best type of fillings to fix your troubled tooth!
What is Tooth Decay?
Dental decay or cavities are the process of sugar dissolving your teeth. This happens when the sugar in the foods you eat react with the oral bacteria found in dental plaque, creating an acid that softens the tooth enamel and dentine of your tooth. Over time, this creates a hole or “cavity” in the tooth.
The Three Types of Cavities
There are three types of cavities caused by tooth decay. They include:
- Coronal cavities: located on the chewing surfaces or between the teeth (interproximal), these are the most common type of cavities in both children and adults.
- Root cavities: As you age, your gums may recede, exposing part of your tooth’s roots. Because there is no enamel on the roots, they are at a higher risk of developing decay.
- Recurrent decay: This can occur around existing fillings or crowns which have plaque buildup.
If left untreated, dental decay can completely destroy your tooth and its nerves or cause a painful infection that requires a root canal or extraction.
Types of Fillings
Thankfully, if caught in time, your tooth may be able to be repaired with the help of a tooth-colored filling. In some cases, an early cavity may be able to be reversed with the help of varnish and diligent oral hygiene.
For teeth with larger areas of decay or that require a root canal, your dentist may recommend a CEREC dental crown, which fits over the damaged tooth like a cap that is cemented into place.
How Do I Know if I Need a Filling?
While your dentist will be able to best diagnose a cavity, you could need a filling if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods
- Toothache
- Sharp, throbbing pain
- Pain when biting or chewing
- A visible hole in your tooth
- A broken filling
- A chipped, cracked, or fractured tooth
- A lost filling
If any of these symptoms occur, contact your emergency dentist as soon as possible to schedule an emergency appointment. Leaving cavities untreated can enable them to worsen, potentially requiring larger fillings, crowns, a root canal, or an extraction.
Remember, fillings are a common treatment for tooth decay, but only your dentist can determine how to treat your damaged tooth. If you think you have a cavity or tooth infection, don’t delay getting help. Schedule an urgent dental appointment today!
About Dr. Dean
Dr. Stephen Dean first became interested in dentistry following accidental damage to his own teeth. From that point on he knew that he wanted to learn more about dentistry, and eventually he chose it as a career. Today, dentistry is more than just a job for Dr. Dean. He truly enjoys constantly learning about the field, and how to make treatments more effective and comfortable for his patients.
If you’re suffering from tooth pain or have noticed any worrisome changes to your teeth and gums, don’t wait until your next regularly scheduled dental appointment. Contact Dean Dental Care and schedule an emergency appointment with Dr. Dean today. You can request one through our website, or give us a call at 770-786-3915.