Dental Filling – Tooth Colored Fillings

What are Cavities?

Cavities are holes caused by tooth decay that go down below the surface of your tooth. Naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth leave behind plaque, a substance that causes tooth decay. Left unchecked, cavities will continue to grow bigger in size, causing more serious damage to your teeth. If ignored, they might even develop into infections of the soft material inside your tooth that necessitate a root canal.

If you have a cavity, you are not alone. A majority of people get at least one throughout their lives. The important thing is to get it treated with a filling — and to try to prevent future cavities from developing through the use of good dental hygiene habits.

How Do Fillings Help?

Fillings are an essential component of dental care. They clear out damaged material and protect your tooth from further decay. Getting a filling as soon as you realize you may have a cavity can prevent the condition from becoming worse.

What are Signs That a Filling May Be Necessary?

In general, we will be the ones to tell you whether you might need a dental filling. However, there are some signs and symptoms that might give you an early indication that treatment might be necessary. If you experience any of the following, don’t delay — call us to schedule an appointment:

• Pain: If you have a toothache with no clear sign of what might be causing it, the pain could signal that you have a cavity. Likewise, if you have pain when biting or chewing, it’s time to give us a call.
• Sensitivity: Aching in your teeth when you eat or drink hot or cold food and beverages may also be a sign of cavities.
• Visible damage: If you can see holes or pits in your teeth, you may be seeing a cavity. Even if you have doubts, it’s worth getting checked out — early repair of any damage to your teeth is better than bigger repairs later on from ignoring the issue.
• Stains: If your teeth have stains that will not scrub off when you are brushing your teeth, you might have cavities. 

How Are Cavities Prevented?

You don’t have to resign yourself to a future full of cavities and fillings. There are steps you can take to keep your mouth healthy and free from cavities.

The biggest help you can give yourself is healthy dental hygiene habits. Brush your teeth at least twice per day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss every day. When you can’t brush your teeth after eating, rinse with water. Overall, avoid snacking throughout the day, and limit your intake of sugary beverages like sodas.

We are your next best bet to prevent cavities. Attending regular dental appointments — once every six months for most patients — is essential to giving your teeth the deep clean they need to prevent cavities. We will also keep an eye on any developing issues so we can coach you on your brushing and flossing and head off any problems before they get serious.

Do you suspect you may need a filling? Schedule your appointment at Centerburg Dental Care today by calling (740) 917-4159.