09 Aug Fillings Stop Tooth Decay in Its Tracks
Fillings can be a very important part of protecting your dental health. They stop the spread of tooth decay, restore full function to a damaged tooth, and strengthen it for years to come. Our dentists explain how getting a filling will help stop tooth decay and prevent more serious problems.
What Is the Point of a Dental Filling?
Fillings are one of the least invasive ways to treat cavities and keep them from getting worse. You can even get very small cavities filled during a regular checkup! But if you wait too long and the decay spreads, you might need a crown, which requires drilling away significant parts of the tooth. Here’s why dental fillings are so important.
1: Fillings Stop Decay and Prevent Tooth Loss
Cavities start as tiny holes in your tooth enamel that grow larger and larger over time. If the decay spreads to the inside of the tooth, it can cause severe pain and eventually, tooth loss. Not only will a filling prevent a cavity from getting bigger, it will also save your tooth from further decay.
2: They Prevent Infections
A cavity in your tooth enamel exposes the delicate inner structures to infections, inflammation, and pain. Fillings prevent tooth infections by forming a protective barrier against bacteria. Infections that start in your mouth can spread throughout the rest of your body if left untreated, so you should always get a cavity filled as soon as possible.
3: Fillings Restore the Tooth Structure
Because cavities make a tooth weak, it can become very fragile. Simple things like biting into a quesadilla can lead to a fractured tooth and extreme pain. Getting a filling will make the tooth stronger and keep it fully functional.
4: They Relieve or Prevent Tooth Pain
Tooth decay can cause extreme pain. Infections, exposed dental pulp, and cracked teeth can all be classified as dental emergencies. Oral pain can be hard on your body and keep you away from activities they enjoy. Fillings get rid of the problems and get rid of the pain before either can get any worse.
How Do I Know If I Need a Filling?
Only a dentist can determine what type of treatment you’ll need. But if you’re wondering whether or not you have a cavity, there are some definite signs.
Make an appointment with your dentist if you notice:
- Visible holes or dark spots on your teeth
- Bad breath or a constant, unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Persistent pain in one or more teeth
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods or drinks
- An existing filling falls out or is missing
Best Place for Dental Fillings in Prescott, Arizona
Here at Hicks Dental Group we offer comprehensive dental care, from fillings and crowns to implants, Invisalign and cosmetic dentistry. If you think you might need a cavity filled, or if it’s been a while since your last exam, please don’t hesitate to pay us a visit.
Don’t let a cavity get worse—it will only cause more problems! Contact us today to make an appointment.
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