Signs You May Need a Filling

Signs You May Need a Filling

If you have a toothache or noticeable discoloration on the enamel surface, you may need a dental filling. In their St. Louis, MO, practice, your dentists, Drs. Joseph and Nina Zeigler, detect cavities and use the latest in filling materials to fully restore teeth. Be alert to the signs of tooth decay so you can get the treatment you need.

What is a cavity?

A cavity is also called tooth decay or dental caries. Caused by the corrosive action of oral bacteria contained in plaque and tartar on and between teeth, cavities create actual holes in the hard outer enamel. Left untreated, the decay progresses to deeper tooth layers--dentin and pulp--and eventually, an abscess occurs.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that over 90 percent of adults ages 21 to 64 have at least one cavity. The number increases after age 65. This statistic indicates the need for the preventive dental care your dentists provide in their St. Louis, MO, office. Additionally, the CDC numbers represent a need for restorative services such as dental fillings, crowns, and root canal therapy.

Signs you may need a filling

Sometimes, tooth decay is silent until it becomes extensive. In other cases, cavities create symptoms such as:

  • Throbbing toothache pain
  • Dental sensitivity to the pressures of chewing or to hot or cold foods and beverages
  • A visible dark spot or crack in a tooth
  • Stains on the chewing surfaces or sides of your tooth

In addition, you may need a filling if you fracture a tooth in an accident or if you lose an old restoration.

Kind of fillings

Drs. Joseph and Nina Zeigler detect decay on visual inspection of your teeth. They also may see cavities on routine X-rays, particularly when the decay is in between teeth.

To restore decay, the dentist numbs the tooth, removes the decayed enamel and places a tooth-colored filling. Most fillings are white composite resin which bonds seamlessly to tooth enamel.

Finally, larger cavities may require porcelain fillings. These restorations are called inlays and onlays as they fill-in decay between or including the cusps of back teeth.

Prevention is key

To keep your teeth decay-free, eat a low-carb diet, stay hydrated, and brush and floss daily. Also, see Dr. Joseph Zeigler, Dr. Nina Zeigler and their friendly team semi-annually for an exam and cleaning. If it's time for your six-month visit, phone our St. Louis, MO, dental office for an appointment: (314) 872-7590.

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