Dental fillings are quite a common dental treatment. When tooth decay erodes the enamel of a tooth, a filling can be a way to restore the tooth and protect it from further effects of tooth decay. Left untreated, tooth decay can lead to discomfort, pain, and serious complications that can include loss of the tooth altogether. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding dental fillings along with their answers. We hope this information is helpful, but please know that you can always ask us specific questions, too!
Q: How Do I Know if I Need a Filling?
A: Tooth decay is often comes with no identifiable symptoms in the earliest of stages. Because your dentist is trained to look for these early signs, regular exams are important. If you skip routine dental care, you may end up waiting for the tooth decay to grow severe enough for you to experience tooth sensitivity or a toothache. At a stage advanced enough for you to notice it, it is very important to get treatment.
Q: Won’t a Cavity Heal on Its Own?
A: The short answer is no. Tooth decay is progressive. Once it has eroded the enamel enough to create a cavity, it will continue to progress. Enamel cannot regenerate, so restoration of it is important to protect the tooth. Left untreated, tooth decay can come into contact with your tooth’s nerve center, the pulp, and could cause inflammation, infection, or abscess. At this stage, a root canal treatment may be necessary to save the tooth.
Q: What Is a Filling?
A: A filling involves disinfecting and restoring a tooth that has enamel compromised by tooth decay. Your dentist will clear out any bacteria and damaged tooth pieces before restoring it with a tooth-colored composite resin.
Do You Have Questions About Dental Fillings?
We can help answer your questions about fillings. To schedule a consultation by calling E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, Spring Hill, Osawatomie, Edgerton, Shawnee, Johnson County, De Soto, Paola, Lawrence, and all surrounding communities.