Cavity Fillings: How to Know if You Need One

admin 2 years ago 3 min read

teeth cavity with the treatment

One in four adults aged 20 to 64 currently have at least one cavity. It’s an incredibly common dental issue to have along with a chipped tooth and general dental decay. But sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint the problem.

If you’d like to know how to distinguish between regular tooth sensitivity and a cavity in need of cavity fillings, read on to find out more.

Table of Contents

Dental Decay and Cavities

Being as common as it is, it’s likely you’ve heard of dental decay and cavities, but what are they? Quite simply, it’s when sugary foods contribute to the breakdown and dissolving of teeth.

If left untreated, cavities can become serious and cause a lot of pain. That’s where cavity fillings come in. Essentially, it’s the process of filling up the hole caused by dental decay, alleviating any pain you might be feeling.

Generally, there are three types of cavities:

Coronal cavities
Root cavities
Recurrent decay

Coronal cavities are the most common and they tend to be located on chewing surfaces or in between the teeth. Root cavities, however, are due to the receding of our gums as we age. Our tooth roots do not have enamel covering them and are therefore more susceptible to decay.

Then there is recurrent decay which actually occurs after a filling has been put in place. Sometimes the areas around the fillings can get a build-up of plaque and this can cause a further cavity.

Symptoms That Might Mean You Need a Cavity Filling

So, what are the tell-tale signs of needing a cavity filling? For one thing, it’s definitely more than simply tooth sensitivity. If that is your only symptom, while it’s still recommended you visit a dentist, it’s unlikely you’ll be needing a filling for it.

For starters, the toothache you’ll feel if you do have a cavity will be enduring and painful. Especially when it comes to eating or drinking things that are too hot or too cold. This pain or ache would typically get worse when you put pressure on it, too.

This one might be a bit obvious, but if there is a visible hole in one of your teeth… you might just have a cavity. If not a full hole, other visible symptoms include having a dark brown or black spot on your tooth or having a chipped or broken tooth.

Furthermore, if you find that your dental floss is getting stuck on the same tooth a lot when you use it, that could be a sign. As well as if you find food is consistently getting stuck in certain teeth, too.

Find a Dentist For Your Cavity Fillings

If you do think you may require cavity fillings, don’t worry. They are very common and easily administered. Searching ‘Dentist Near Me‘ will point you in the right direction to ensure you get the dental work you need.

No matter what type of cavity you may have, adequate treatment is available and can ensure any toothache you are feeling can be eradicated!