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Brushing and flossing twice daily can help prevent common concerns, such as tooth decay, but there’s no guarantee that you’ll never develop hidden cavities in places that are hard to see or clean on your own at home, like between your teeth, below your gums, or behind your molars.
Thankfully, most dentists offer standard services, like tooth-colored fillings, to help restore the appearance and function of damaged teeth. If you’re unsure whether you need a filling, continue reading to learn more about some potential signs so you know when to contact your provider for an appointment!
What Causes Cavities?
You might think that your mouth is perfectly clean if you haven’t noticed any obvious areas of concern, but the truth is that the average human mouth contains billions of bacteria representing hundreds of different species of microbes.
While some of these are benign and are necessary for certain processes, such as digestion, others are more harmful and contribute to dental problems. Unhealthy bacteria produce acids that can erode the protective outer layer of your teeth if they’re allowed to thrive.
For example, pit and fissure cavities can form on the chewing surfaces of your molars where food and plaque can become trapped, while smooth-surface decay happens more slowly on the outer sides of your teeth where plaque can build if you neglect your dental hygiene.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are a standard service and the tried-and-true way to treat cavities. Historically, dentists used amalgam mixtures of powdered metals with liquid mercury as a binding agent, but today, most providers use tooth-colored, biocompatible composite resin instead.
This putty-like material can be customized to match the natural tone of your teeth, then applied in layers to rebuild damaged sections of enamel. Next, it’s hardened in place with ultraviolet light, causing it to bond with the protective outer layer of your teeth. The result blends seamlessly with your smile and can last 5 to 10+ years with proper care.
How Do I Know if I Need a Dental Filling?
If you’re concerned about your dental condition but are unsure whether you require treatment, understanding the signs of cavities can help you determine when to contact your dentist.
Some potential indicators that you may need a filling can include:
- You experience severe sensitivity or pain, especially when biting into something overly hard, crunchy, acidic, sweet, hot, or cold.
- There is visible damage to a previously placed filling.
- You can see sections of missing decay, chips, or cracks in the affected tooth.
- Food frequently gets stuck between certain teeth.
- Your floss frays or tears when you glide it between your teeth.
It’s natural to wonder whether your dental condition requires treatment if you’ve noticed a change in one or more of your teeth. If you’re concerned but are unsure whether you have a real issue, the best way to protect and preserve your smile is to call your dentist’s office for an appointment!
About the Practice
Patients at Rosen Dental benefit from two dentists who are passionate about helping individuals and families in Chicago build happy, healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Rosen and Dr. Kapica are each incredibly accomplished providers individually, and they collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of quality dental services tailored to meet your unique needs. Their caring approach and attention to detail are combined with state-of-the-art technology to deliver beautiful, accurate results meant to last. If you’re concerned about cavities, you can request an appointment on the website or call (773) 248-6140.