3 Common Signs That You Need a Dental Filling

As you may know, a dental filling is a treatment that restores the function of a given tooth. In particular, it fills the space left behind by decay or cavities. Less well-known, though, is how to tell when you need one. At what point does a damaged tooth require a filling to prevent future health problems? Well, your local dentist is here to help you answer that question. Read on to learn common signs that you should get dental fillings in La Porte, as well as the best filling type for your smile.

3 Signs You Need a Filling

The decay and cavities that need fillings tend to have specific symptoms. These include:

A Toothache or Sharp Pain

Severe tooth pain likely signals you have a cavity. This discomfort can form into a constant, throbbing toothache or a sharp soreness you feel when chewing hot or cold foods. If this pain continues and doesn’t fade naturally, you should talk to your dentist about getting a dental filling.

Tooth Sensitivity

Patients sometimes develop sensitive teeth from overactive tooth or gum nerves. However, if such sensitivity is new for you, it could indicate you have worn enamel. In that case, you’ll want a dentist to confirm if you have a cavity that needs a filling.

A Tooth with a Dark Spot or Hole

Sometimes, a cavity becomes visible as a dark spot or hole in your tooth. When that happens, you should see your dentist for a filling at once. Otherwise, you may need a root canal and crown procedure later.

Which Type of Filling is Right for You?

The best type of filling for you will depend on your repair needs, any allergies to its possible materials, the location of the cavity, and cost. That said, they usually come in four varieties:

• Gold fillings: These kinds of tooth fillings are made to order and then cemented into place. Being being tolerated by gum tissue and often lasting over 20 years, they’re the most expensive choice and require multiple visits.
• Amalgam (silver) fillings: Amalgam fillings are resistant to wear and relatively inexpensive. However, their dark color makes them less than ideal for highly visible areas.
• Composite resins: Resins are more natural-looking fillings because they match the color of tooth enamel. In exchange, though, they’re less durable, have a shorter lifespan, and can stain similarly to natural teeth.
• Porcelain fillings: Dentists custom-make porcelain fillings in a lab and then bond them to your tooth. They’re matched to your tooth color and resist staining. They usually cost as much as gold ones.

Remember the signs for dental fillings in La Porte so your next cavity gets filled at the right time and in the right way. Otherwise, talk to your local dentist if you have other questions or concerns.

About the Practice

Region Dental is based in La Porte, IN. As led by Dr. Daniel Berquist, the practice provides patients of all ages with gentle, compassionate dental services. To that end, its staff offers preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency dental procedures. The team is especially skilled in tooth-colored fillings and root canal therapy. For more information or to schedule an appointment, the practice is reachable at its website or by phone at (219)-362-8980.