If you’ve never had a cavity, chances are you haven’t had a filling either. Knowing when you have a cavity can be difficult because sometimes, you won’t even experience any symptoms. This is a great reason why you should visit your dentist throughout the year, otherwise, you may have dental issues that you are unaware of. Should you get a filling? If left untreated, you could lose your tooth (or teeth). Cavities are caused from bacteria (known as plaque) attacks the layers of your tooth. With a cavity, you may feel tooth sensitivity or you may be able to visibly see pits or holes in your teeth.
How Do You Treat Cavities?
If you have a cavity, your dentist will begin treatment by removing the decayed part of your tooth. They’ll drill around a larger portion to ensure all of the bacteria is removed.
Once the bacteria is gone, they’ll fill the tooth with a material (more recent materials are the same color as your tooth) that will seal your tooth from damage.
What Are Fillings Made Of?
Dental fillings used to be made out of silver amalgam or gold – they still are, but are much less common now. Lately, materials like porcelain and composite resin are used more commonly because they are able to match the natural color of your tooth. Patients prefer these materials because they can be much more cosmetically appealing than a gold or silver filling.
How Do You Know You Need A Filling?
Sometimes, you won’t be able to tell on your own that something is wrong with your tooth. However, your dentist will be able to detect any issues either by x-ray or visibly with their naked eye.
If the pulp of your tooth has died or too much of your tooth is decayed, your dentist may recommend a root canal to optimize your oral health.
