Signs and Symptoms of Needing a Dental Filling

Dental fillings are one of the most common procedures performed in dental offices. These are often used to treat problems caused by cavities, which can cause tooth destruction, and they can be found in the outer layer of the tooth known as enamel, or they can also reach the inner layer, called dentin. A dental filling can also be applied in cases of fractured or cracked teeth, or in those teeth that have been worn as a result of the patient grinding their teeth or biting their nails.

Signs and Symptoms of Needing a Dental Filling

Signs:

These are the signs that you will be able to notice without experiencing adverse sensations if you have a cavity and require a dental filling:

• Flossing gets stuck or breaks in the same place over and over again.
• You notice a hole or can even feel it with your tongue.
• Food always gets stuck between your teeth.
• You have fractured or lost a filling.
• You have a chipped or cracked tooth.

Symptoms:

When we talk about symptoms we mean all those sensations that you may feel. When you require a filling, the most common thing is that you feel pain which can present itself in the following ways:

• Feeling pain when chewing or biting
• Feeling a stabbing or sharp pain
• Sensitivity to cold, heat, pressure, or sweets.

Types of Dental Fillings

In case you need a dental filling, one of our dentists will talk with you to determine the type of treatment that best suits your situation. Dental fillings are differentiated by their composition or material, and of course, by their cost. The factors that our dentist will take into account when helping you choose the material to perform the dental filling are the area of ​​the mouth where the repair will be made and the extent of the damage to be repaired. There are four types of dental fillings: those made of gold, silver (amalgam), porcelain, or composite material (plastic). Here we explain more about each of them:

• Gold Dental Fillings: These fillings guarantee a long duration, but it is one of the most expensive options. This metal is well tolerated by gum tissue, so a dental filling made with this material can last 20 years or more.
• Silver Dental Fillings (amalgams): these fillings are made with a combination of metals such as silver and copper, and a small amount of mercury is also added. Mercury in this state cannot be absorbed by the human body and its use has been approved by different national and international organizations, such as the World Health Organization, the American Dental Association, and the United States Public Health Service. These dental fillings, while inexpensive, are not very aesthetic due to their dark color, so they are often used only for teeth or areas that are not so visible.
• Porcelain Dental Fillings: these dental fillings are manufactured in a specialized laboratory and then attached to the tooth by your specialist dentist. Their benefits are that they can be adapted to the natural color of your teeth. They are durable, almost undetectable and their price is very similar to gold fillings.
• Composite (plastic) fillings – These affordable dental fillings can also be adapted to the natural color of your teeth, but they are not as durable as gold or porcelain fillings and may chip or discolor over time.

But how much does a dental filling cost? Well, its cost will depend on the material you choose, as indicated above, as well as the amount needed, which depends on the size of the cavity to be repaired.

Caries Basics

Don’t feel bad about having cavities, you are not alone! About 20% of Americans experience them, making them the most common of oral problems. But don’t worry, luckily cavities are treatable in the vast majority of cases.

It does not hurt to know how cavities form, how to prevent them, and what treatments exist to eliminate them. Here’s some basic information about cavities:

How do cavities form?

Cavities begin to form with the accumulation of dental plaque. Plaque is formed by combining bacteria with foods such as sweets and other acid-forming substances. When such a combination occurs, a thin, smooth film forms on the teeth. Once plaque stays on your teeth for a while, it becomes the entry point for cavities, as this is where small holes start to form in the tooth enamel. So if you don’t take proper care of your teeth, over time these small holes will get bigger and bigger, causing cavities to form.

Therefore, you should know that a cavity is the product of poor dental care + the consumption of sugary foods and acid-forming substances that produce plaque.

How to prevent cavities?

You can prevent cavities by doing the following:

• Avoid eating sweets and sugary foods
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
• Flossing frequently, at least once a day
• Using an antiseptic mouthwash when possible
• Take care of your diet by eating mostly nutritious and natural foods

How long does it take to apply a dental filling?

One of the most popular services for treating cavities is fillings. This simple procedure consists of removing the area of ​​the damaged tooth, in this case, the affected enamel and dentin, cleaning the infected area, and applying a filling material to seal the area. Most caries fillings are applied in less than 20 minutes, although sometimes this procedure can take a few more minutes, depending on the number of cavities to be removed and the size of the cavity to be filled.

Testimony

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