Do You Need A Tooth Filling? Know The Signs (And What to Do Next)

If you suspect you have a cavity, you may be wondering how to tell. How can you figure out if you have a filling on your own, and what should you do next if you think that your tooth may be decayed?

In this guide from Max Dental Studio, we’ll go over the basics of cavities, discuss the most common signs that you need a tooth filling, and answer some common FAQs about tooth fillings, too. Join us and learn everything you need to know about cavities, fillings, and so much more!

Understanding The Basics Of Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are used to restore and protect decayed teeth. At least 90% of adults have had decay in at least one tooth. Fillings are the fastest, simplest, and most affordable way to eliminate cavities and restore your oral health.

The process is very straightforward, too. Once Dr. Mauro Nunes determines that you need a filling, he will begin by cleaning and numbing your mouth. Then, he will use a dental drill to remove any decayed material from your tooth.

Once that’s done, Dr. Nunes will apply a tooth-colored composite material to your tooth. He will sculpt and shape it, then harden it with an LED blue light. This material looks and feels just like natural enamel, and is used to replace the decayed tooth structure.

The last step is to make any final adjustments that may be needed. Dr. Nunes will check your bite to make sure that your new tooth fits in perfectly. Once everything looks perfect, he will polish your new smile and send you home. The entire process typically takes 30-60 minutes per tooth.

What Are The Signs That I Need A Tooth Filling?

It’s not always easy to tell if you need a filling on your own. But if you recognize one or more of the following signs and symptoms, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Nunes at Max Dental Studio right away. The sooner you get help for your decayed tooth, the better the outcome will be. The most common signs of a cavity are:

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• A toothache that won’t go away
• Pain or tenderness when chewing, especially hard and crunchy foods
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
• Dark spots or discoloration on the surface of a tooth
• A visible pit or hole in one of your teeth

Do I Need To Get A Filling If My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?

The answer is “maybe!” Pain and tooth sensitivity are very common symptoms of a cavity, but are not always present in every patient. Even if your tooth doesn’t hurt, you may still have a cavity if you recognize one or more of the signs you need a tooth filling listed above.

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This is also one of the reasons why routine six-month checkups with a dentist are so essential. During your twice-yearly visits to Max Dental Studio, Dr. Nunes can check on your teeth to see if you have any cavities and identify them early. In many cases, he may notice tooth decay before it causes you any pain and discomfort at all!

The Risks Of Waiting Too Long To Get A Filling

Your cavity will get bigger

Once a cavity forms, it won’t just go away. In fact, cavities almost always get bigger and more severe over time. This is because the hole in your tooth will collect food particles, bacteria, and acid. In turn, this leads to the further destruction of your enamel and other tooth materials. Without a filling, your cavity will only get worse.

The tooth may become infected

Untreated cavities are an extremely common cause of tooth infections. As the cavity worsens, it may destroy the outer layers of your tooth, exposing the “pulp” inside of your tooth to bacteria. 

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This pulp is filled with blood vessels and nerves, and keeps your tooth alive. When it becomes infected, you may experience severe pain and discomfort. And if left untreated, the tooth will eventually die and infect the bone.

You may need more complex, costly treatments

Fillings are always the simplest, fastest, and most effective ways to treat minor-to-moderate tooth decay. However, if you do not get treatment in time, you may not be able to get a filling and may require a more complex and expensive procedure.

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For example, a very deep or large cavity may require treatment with a dental crown, which is much more expensive. Or, if your tooth has become infected, you may also need to get a root canal to eliminate the infection before you get a crown, which adds even more time and costs to the procedure.

What If I Can’t Afford To Restore My Tooth With A Filling?

Even if you are short on cash, investing in a tooth filling is always worth it. At Max Dental Studio, we offer a variety of payment plans that can help you fit a filling into your budget, and we do our best to offer transparent pricing so you know exactly how much you’ll need to pay.

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Dr. Nunes and our team are also happy to file claims with your dental insurance company on your behalf. Fillings are a covered benefit for all dental insurance plans, though some limitations like deductibles and yearly maximums may apply.

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We know that it can be hard to fit unexpected dental costs into your budget. But if you don’t get a dental filling for a cavity, the condition will only get worse, and you’ll end up having to pay for more costly treatments like a root canal and a crown. So don’t wait. Call Max Dental Studio now and explore your options for financing your dental filling in Durham, NC.

Answering Your FAQs About Tooth Fillings

Still have questions about getting a dental filling? We’ve got you covered. Here are some answers to the most common FAQs about tooth fillings:

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• Are fillings worth it? Absolutely. Fillings are inexpensive, highly effective, and have barely any side effects or drawbacks. They are the best way to prevent cavities from getting worse, and help you restore your smile with a tooth-like, natural-looking composite material.
  
  
• Do tooth fillings have any downsides? No. In some cases, fillings may cause temporary sensitivity or discomfort, but this is rare, and can usually be addressed by adjusting the height and fit of the filling.
• Can I avoid getting a filling? Not if you already have a cavity. Once you have a cavity, it’s not possible to reverse it and avoid a filling, even if you maintain great at-home oral hygiene. Once your tooth has decayed, you will need a filling from Dr. Nunes at Max Dental Studio to restore it.
  
  
• Will teeth with dental fillings eventually fall out? No. This is a common misconception. With proper treatment, teeth with dental fillings can stay in place for decades without any issues. However, the filling itself may eventually wear out and fail. This is not a big deal, though. A dentist like Dr. Nunes can simply replace the filling once it wears out, restoring your tooth once again.
  
  
• Can I get a second opinion on whether or not I need a filling? Certainly! Different dentists may have different opinions on whether or not a tooth needs to be filled. Some dentists are more conservative, and will monitor trying to wait for as long as possible before filling a tooth.
  
  Other dentists are more aggressive, and may recommend fillings even for small cavities. If you’re not sure whether or not you need a filling and want a second opinion, Dr. Mauro Nunes and the team at Max Dental Studio are here to help!

Come To Max Dental Studio For Tooth Fillings In Durham, NC

If you’ve got a sensitive or painful tooth in Durham, NC and think that you might have a cavity, don’t wait. The sooner you get help, the more likely it is that Dr. Nunes can restore your smile with a filling, prevent further complications, and get your oral health back on track. Give us a call at (919) 383-7020 or contact us online to book your first visit and get the expert dental care you need right away.

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