A filling is a type of dental treatment that involves removing decay and healing the afflicted tooth. If the damage is severe enough, you may require a root canal and a crown, which is a separate dental operation. In most situations, it’s vital to get frequent dental checkups to ensure that decay doesn’t spiral out of control.
Do you want to know if you need a dental filling? Here are some vital signs that you do.
1. Tooth Crazing
Craze lines might form on teeth at times. These vertical lines are fissures in the enamel of the teeth induced by tension. This can result from a lifetime of chewing or from actions such as clenching, grinding teeth, or biting fingernails. Over time, these ugly surface fissures discolour the appearance of teeth. Fortunately, dentists can replace craze lines with tooth-coloured filling material, restoring the appearance of beautiful teeth. This type of dental filling is also known as cosmetic bonding.
2. Fractured Teeth
Sometimes a tooth can develop a flaw or crack that breaks the surface enamel and exposes the inside of the tooth. These types of cracks are commonly called fractures. Teeth can develop fractures from blows to the head, grinding, clenching, or even aged teeth losing their strength due to plaque build-up or tooth decay.
3. Toothache
If left untreated, toothaches can worsen and cause even more damage to the teeth. The most common cause of toothache is tooth decay in teeth that have not yet been treated with fluoride. Dentists use tooth fillings to treat toothaches, using a small drill to remove decay and fill the tooth with a tooth-coloured filling material.
4. Tooth sensitivity
A tooth that is sensitive to hot and cold meals and drinks might potentially suggest the presence of a cavity that needs to be filled. Decay makes teeth more sensitive by allowing heat and cold to penetrate deeper into the tooth.
5. Loss of Tooth Filling
A tooth filling can come loose or even entirely fall out in some cases. This can happen because of the chewing pressure exerted on the tooth. For example, if you eat hard foods or have a missing tooth next to your filling, your chewing pressure will be uneven, and this can cause a problem with your filling.
6. Presence of Cavities
If you have a cavity, you will need a tooth filling. Teeth with cavities will continue to get worse as time passes. These cavities can erode the tooth enamel and expose the soft dentin (inner tooth tissue), turning into an abscess. Getting a tooth filling can restore the natural beauty of your teeth and eliminate the need for further treatments.
Conclusion
Tooth fillings can be a great way to maintain or restore the look of your teeth. They can also hold your teeth in place to prevent them from moving or shifting. Don’t wait for the problem to worsen, and watch for any signs that you might need a tooth filling.
If you are looking for dental fillings in Brisbane, QLD, turn to Enamel Dental Studio for help. We offer a wide range of expert dental services that can give you a healthier and brighter smile. Book an appointment today!