How to know when you need a tooth filling | 2 min read

A dental restoration, namely a tooth filling, involves removing decay and repairing the affected tooth. Here are some signs that you might need a dental filling.

Toothache

A toothache or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures may be the most common sign that you need a tooth filling.

Fractured teeth

Fractured teeth can be repaired with a filling and will slow down or even prevent additional tooth decay and deterioration.

Tooth crazing

Craze lines (vertical lines) are cracks in the teeth’ enamel caused by stress on a tooth. It can be caused by clenching or grinding teeth or chewing fingernails. These unsightly surface cracks darken the look of teeth over time. Fortunately, dentists can use filling material to cover craze lines and restore the look of beautiful teeth. This kind of tooth filling is sometimes called cosmetic bonding.

Tooth wear

As we age, our teeth wear down. The flat biting edges darken and make teeth look unsightly. Tooth wear can also happen because of teeth grinding. Sometimes, this causes chipping and further damage to teeth. A filling improves the appearance of teeth, the bite, and the ability to chew. Once the teeth fillings are in place, a night guard can be used at night to prevent further damage.

Visible signs that a tooth filling is required:

Dark spots on teeth
A hole you can see or feel in your teeth
Food that always gets stuck between certain teeth
When your floss tears in one place
A rough, chipped, or broken tooth
A broken or lost filling

Benefits of a tooth filling

Stops the cavity from growing
Improves the structure of the tooth
Strengthens fractured teeth
Tooth fillings can improve the color of your teeth
Protects your teeth from decay

Avoid higher-cost dental problems down the road. Your dentist can design a prevention plan so root canals or even tooth extractions are never needed. If you think you need a filling, contact a dentist near you.

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