When it comes to your oral health, brushing off seemingly minor issues can turn into major problems if left untreated. Early detection of dental decay is especially crucial to prevent serious damage to your teeth.
Fortunately, dental fillings can be used to help preserve a healthy smile by restoring cavities, repairing cracks, and filling small holes caused by tooth decay. Read on to learn about signs that can alert you of teeth that may require dental fillings, and how to choose the right filling for your smile.
What Signs Should I Lookout For?
In the early stages, it can be difficult to spot dental decay because most people don’t show any symptoms. However, here are a few common signs to look out for:
- Tooth sensitivity. If your teeth feel sensitive when exposed to extreme temperatures, sweet, sticky, and sour foods, it could be indicative of worn enamel and developing cavities that need fillings.
- Toothache. A constant sharp, throbbing, or aching pain can be a sign you’ve developed a cavity.
- Dark spots. A dark spot or hole in your tooth is a clear indication of a cavity that may require a filling right away.
- Food gets stuck between your teeth. This can happen as a result of a small gap or opening that will need a filling to close.
- Broken, cracked, or lost filling. Contact your dentist to replace an existing filling that is broken, cracked, or lost before the cavity worsens.
Which Type of Dental Filling is Right for Me?
Five types of material can be used to fill cavities— read on to learn about the pros and cons of each material.
Silver Amalgam Fillings
Comprised of 50% silver, tin, zinc, and copper, and 50% mercury, these fillings are a popular choice among dentists because they’re strong, sturdy, and budget-friendly. However, they’re not aesthetically pleasing and, as the material expands and contracts over time, can cause your tooth to crack.
Composite Fillings
Made of resin and plastic material, composite fillings are an attractive option because they can be color-matched to your natural teeth. The only downside is they’re not as durable or cost-effective as silver fillings.
Ceramic Fillings
These are made of porcelain and are an aesthetically pleasing and durable option. Ceramic fillings are tooth-colored and more resistant to staining and abrasion than composite resin. The disadvantage to ceramic is it’s more brittle and can wear the opposing teeth down.
Glass Ionomers (acrylic fillings)
These glass-and-acrylic fillings are a great option for children whose teeth are still changing. They can last up to five years and release fluoride to help prevent tooth decay.
Gold fillings
This is the least common option as it’s the most expensive and requires a few dental visits to be properly fitted. However, they’re extremely sturdy, non-corrosive, and can last more than 20 years.
If you think you’re experiencing signs of dental decay, contact your dentist right away before it’s too late. They can confirm whether you need fillings or not and help you decide on the best treatment option so you can maintain a strong, healthy smile.
Meet the Dentists
Dr. Christine Laster’s and Dr. Dalton Hunt’s expertise and knowledge are sure to make your visit a positive one. Dr. Laster completed her dental education at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Dentistry and received the Diagnosis and Treatment Planning Award. Dr. Hunt graduated from the University of Louisville and has completed advanced training in general dentistry at Chapel Hill since then. If you suspect you may have dental decay, Dr. Laster and her team are ready to help using the latest restorative dentistry techniques. To schedule an appointment, visit her website or call the office at (919) 787-0355.