It’s not what you want to hear, but your dentist informs you that you have a few cavities, and they need to be filled. Surprised by this information, you begin to wonder exactly how it happened. After all, you never noticed any pain or problems. Unfortunately, many signs associated with dental caries can be present, but you may not realize it. As a result, you’re left preparing for restorative treatment that could have possibly been avoided if you’d recognized the symptoms early on. A dentist is here to explain what you must look for to determine if you need dental fillings in South Portland and why traditional amalgam isn’t the only option for treatment anymore.
Signs That Cavities Are Forming Inside Your Mouth
A toothache is the most common symptom associated with a cavity; however, you may never experience any discomfort while your tooth is decaying. Just because a friend or colleague complained of the pain they felt doesn’t mean that you will. In fact, some additional signs that indicate the need for a dental filling also include:
- Your tooth appears darkened, or a hole has formed
- You are experiencing tooth sensitivity as a result of your receded gums, broken down tooth enamel, or overactive nerves inside the tooth
- You’ve lost or broken an old filling, causing your tooth to feel different
- Your dental floss snags when attempting to clean between your teeth
- Food continually gets stuck between certain teeth
Why Tooth-Colored Fillings Are the Best Option
Although traditional amalgam has its positive aspects (i.e., durability, long-lasting), researchers have discovered over the years that this mixture of metals contains high mercury content, which can be toxic to people and the environment. As a result, many dentists are switching to tooth-colored fillings.
These aesthetically pleasing and equally durable restorations make it possible to treat your problem teeth using biocompatible resin. This unique solution can be color-matched to blend in with your natural, healthy smile, making it impossible for anyone else to notice your dental work. Also, it allows your dentist to preserve more of your natural tooth structure and reduce the potential for tooth sensitivity following placement.
With tooth-colored fillings, your dentist can complete the entire process in a single visit. From removing the decayed portions of your tooth to filling the cavity with the biocompatible resin, it creates a tight seal to prevent future reinfection or further damage. In very little time, the placement will be complete, allowing you to resume normal activity as soon as the local anesthetic wears off.
By paying careful attention to your smile, you can potentially catch the problem early on and avoid the need for restorative treatment. However, even if you do require a dental filling, you can trust your dentist to provide a tooth-colored solution that is effective and produces beautiful results.
About the Author
Dr. Katherine Parét graduated from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 2013 and is the lead dentist at Mind Your Mouth in South Portland. Focusing on oral health and total body wellness, she and her team of professionals strive to offer high-quality dental care as well as additional support to ensure positive wellness. When decay plagues a person’s smile, Dr. Parét doesn’t rely on traditional amalgam but instead, she uses tooth-colored fillings that are biocompatible. If you suspect a problem inside your oral cavity that might indicate a need for a dental filling, contact us via our website or by calling (207) 200-4106.