Is your tooth suffering from decay or trauma, leaving it hollow and vulnerable? A dental filling is the solution you need! It restores missing tooth structures, repairs cracks or chips, and shields against further decay.
Dental Filling is a treatment modality to restore missing tooth structure which could have been a result of decay or trauma. Decay makes tooth hollow. Dental Filling helps to fill this gap and protect it from further decay. A filling is also used to repair broken or cracked tooth and the teeth which wear off due to dental habits like teeth grinding, nail biting etc.
There are various signs and symptoms where fillings can be required. The symptoms could be as below:
A hole in your tooth
Dark spots on the tooth
Food stuck between certain areas of the teeth
Chipped or broken tooth
Sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverage
Single or multiple cavities
If you come across any of the symptoms as mentioned above, then there is a chance that you need a filling. The final decision will be of your dentist after a thorough oral examination.
Consequences Of Not Getting A Dental Filling Done?
If you have decay, then it is extremely important to get Fillings done because if the treatment is not done on time then slowly the enamel (outer part of teeth) start decaying exposing the dentin (the inner layer of tooth below the enamel). The bacteria in your mouth will come in contact with dentin, causing infection. Once the infection starts, you will feel sensitivity and will then want to get Fillings done. But if you skip this part and do not get the treatment done on time, then the infection will reach to the nerve which will eventually damage the tooth and then one needs to undergo a Root Canal Treatment. You are also at risk of the infection traveling to the adjacent tooth making it prone to decay.
Post Treatment Care For Dental Filling?
Before you start chewing, make sure that the anesthesia is worn off
Do not consume anything too hot or too cold if the effect of anesthesia is still on
You might feel soreness around your gum area, this will last only for a few days
Avoid hard or sticky food for a few days
If you have a habit of grinding your teeth, then make sure you use a mouth guard to protect your filling
If you feel sensitivity for too long or if your dental fillings come out, visit your dentist immediately
Maintain a good Oral Hygiene routine like cleaning, brushing, mouthwash & flossing
Faq
How Long Does A Dental Filling Last?
The longevity of Dental Filling depends upon the material of the filling. It also depends on how well you take care of your filling. The life of Dental Filling varies from 10 years to 20 years.
Can Dental Filling Fall Off?
Yes, but the chances are rare.
What To Do If Your Fillings Come Out?
Visit your dentist as soon as your Dental Filling comes out.
How To Know That Dental Filling Is Loose?
If you have sensitivity even after getting the filling done, then it is likely that your filling is about to come off. Or if you feel pressure while eating or have a constant toothache then the chances of it coming off is high.