Many people are at low risk of developing tooth decay. However, most people will require dental fillings at one point or the other in their life. No matter how great your oral hygiene habits are, there are many factors that can cause decay. Once cavities are set in, you will need fillings to prevent them from further deterioration. So, it is important that you should know when to get your fillings.

When it comes to teeth fillings, you cannot just choose any dentist. At Huch Family Dentistry, we provide complete dental treatments and services in Goose Creek, South Carolina, and the surrounding areas. We have created this guide to make it easier for you to understand different types of dental cavities and when to seek fillings.

Types of Cavities

Dental decay is the damage to the enamel or tooth surface. It occurs when the bacteria in your mouth produce acids and this damages the enamel. This decay can cause dental caries, commonly known as cavities. Leaving it untreated can lead to pain, infection, and tooth loss.

The different types of cavities formed by tooth decay include:

  • Coronal Cavities: These commonly occurring cavities appear in between the teeth or on the chewing surfaces. They occur with people of all age groups.
  • Root Cavities: When tooth roots get exposed due to aging or other factors, they may develop dental decay. This area is vulnerable to decay and cavities because it doesn’t have enamel.
  • Recurrent Cavities: Such cavities develop around existing crowns and fillings where plaque may have developed.

When you develop tooth decay, it is important that you seek your dentist. The earlier you seek treatment, the better it is. Find out the different signs that tell you it is time to get your fillings.

When to Get Your Tooth Filling?

Typical dental fillings involve the removal of decay and fixing of the affected tooth. If it is severe damage, you may require root canal treatment. Here are the most common signs that say that you should get tooth fillings:

Toothache

If you have a toothache, you should immediately see your family dentist. Any throbbing or sudden pain when chewing or biting should require a filling. It is not just pain, but sensitivity to sweet foods, pressure, and temperatures can also be signs of a tooth filling requirement.

Fractured Teeth

Besides cavities, fractured teeth also require composite filling material to provide a natural look and feel. Proper fillings can help prevent or slow down further decay and damage.

Tooth Wear

With aging, your teeth will start to wear down. The flat biting edges can become darker and start looking bad. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can also cause tooth wear or even chipping. Your dentist can recommend fillings or tooth-colored bonding to fix your teeth and restore the surface. These fillings will service both aesthetic and functional benefits, including improved:

  • Chewing ability
  • Improved bite

Tooth Crazing

You will also require dental fillings when you have craze lines on your teeth. The lines are formed when cracks develop on the enamel due to stress. These cracks can be caused by many factors, including:

  • Clenching
  • TMJ
  • Biting fingernails
  • Teeth grinding
  • A lifetime of chewing

These lines can cause your teeth to become darker over time. Your family dentist can use a tooth-colored filling or cosmetic bonding to fix this issue.

There are even more signs that tell you that you are in need of tooth fillings. This includes:

  • A cavity you can feel or see in your teeth
  • A lost or broken filling
  • Dark spots
  • Having food always getting stuck between certain teeth
  • Floss keeps getting torn at a spot

Importance of Routine Dental Checkup

Many times, people can have small cavities and may not notice any of these signs. If such cavities are not fixed in time, they can create serious dental issues over time. Dental decay can often be difficult to spot. Many of our patients don’t even know about a cavity until the dentil layer has decayed. When this happens, you can feel both sensitivity and pain.

Since tooth decay can spread quickly, it is important that your cavities are fixed quickly. It will be best to see your dentist once every 6 months. However, many people fail to maintain a routine dental checkup. During a routine exam, it will be possible to detect any decay even before the symptoms start showing.

If you need more information and guidance on tooth decay and fillings, we recommend getting in touch with us. We at Huch Family Dentistry have almost four decades of experience in practicing dentistry in Goose Creek, SC. From routine cleanings to emergency dental services to root canals, extractions, and fillings, we handle all types of dental procedures. We have built long-term client relationships over the decades, with most of our clients referring to us as their family dentists. Call us at (843) 797-0782 to discuss your dental concerns or to fix an appointment.