WHAT IS A CAVITY OR CARIES?
Cavities are the areas on the hard surface of your teeth that are damaged due to bacterial activity. These areas of tooth decay can lead to a serious toothache, infection, and tooth loss. Cavities or caries are the world’s most common health problem and more than 80% of Americans would have at least one cavity by their mid-30s. Generally, people don’t know about them until they become deeper and start causing pain.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Toothache, tooth sensitivity, holes, or staining in the teeth. When you are diagnosed with dental caries, it is very important to fill the tooth ASAP.
WHAT EXACTLY IS A DENTAL FILLING?
A filling is used to treat that small cavity in the tooth. To repair that cavity, a dentist removes the decayed tissue and then fills the space with a filling material. This filling material can consist of tooth-colored fillings, also called composite fillings, and silver-colored fillings, also called amalgam fillings.
DO YOU REALLY NEED TO GET A FILLING DONE?
“My dentist told me that I need a cavity filled, but do I really need one? Maybe I just wait until I actually feel something?” It is extremely important to fill the cavity even if it does not hurt. The cavity never goes away, and the only thing it does is spread and cause a bigger problem. Many people don’t notice pain or discomfort, but this does not mean you don’t need to get your cavity filled. In fact, that is exactly the best time to get your filling done as it can prevent you from needing more expensive and less predictable procedures like crowns, root canals, or even extractions. All of these things can be expensive and time-consuming, and no one wants that, right? So, I can’t stress enough the importance of fixing your cavities ASAP.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SEE THE DENTIST REGULARLY?
As mentioned before, you may not be aware that a cavity is forming. That’s why it’s important to have regular dental checkups and cleanings, even when your mouth feels fine. But if you have a toothache or mouth pain, see your dentist as soon as possible.
