According to a National Institute of Health survey, roughly 92% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have experienced tooth decay in their lifetime. As such, dentists regularly provide fillings to eliminate oral health issues and save natural teeth. If you’re concerned about your smile or think you may have a cavity, here are a few signs that you might need a filling.

How to Know When You Need a Filling

1. You Have Tooth Pain

When your tooth is decaying, you’re likely going to experience on-going pain. Some individuals become sensitive to hot and cold foods, feel a throbbing pain when chewing, or have pressure or discomfort when consuming sugary foods.

2. Your Teeth Have Visibly Changed

While many cavities are invisible to the naked eye, some dental patients in need of a filling observe physical changes to their tooth. This can include brown spots, a visible hole, or a rough, chipped area. As you go about your oral hygiene routine, pay attention if floss continues to tear or get stuck around a particular tooth, or if food lingers in one specific area. 

3. You’ve Experienced Dental Trauma

While tooth decay is the primary reason to get a dental filling, fractured teeth can also be restored using this treatment option. Thus, if you’ve endured a dental trauma that caused chips, cracks, or fractures to a tooth, your dentist may opt to use a filling. This will help maintain the strength, shape, and functionality of that tooth.

4. You Grind Your Teeth

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, slowly wears down the enamel on your teeth and can change the overall shape of them. Fillings are one way to restore teeth that have been impacted by this habit. During your visit, your dentist may also provide dental accessories like a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding in the future.

If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms and you need a local dentist to determine if you need a filling, Helmbrecht Dental is up to the task. Led by Dr. Helmbrecht and Dr. Chang, this restorative dentistry practice based in Fairbanks, AK, is known for providing cutting-edge dental care in a friendly environment. Schedule your appointment today by calling (907) 456-1237, and visit their website to learn more about their wide range of services.