As per a research, 92% of the adults between 20 and 64 years of age have had dental caries. What’s more? 42% of the children between 2 and 11 years of age have had tooth damage.
Most of the times the dental caries go unnoticed. This is because most people end up believing that as far they don’t feel pain, they are probably okay and thus feel there is no requirement to visit a dentist.
However, what most of us do not pay attention to the fact that small cavities if left untreated, end up becoming a bigger nuance with the time.
In this article, we will focus more on this and will help you in determining if your tooth needs refilling and if you should see your dentist.
Let’s get started.
Types of Dental Cavities
Broadly, dental cavities are of three types:
- Coronal Cavities
This is the most common type cavity and is found below the biting surface or in between the teeth.
- Root Cavities
Root cavities leave the roots of the tooth exposed and develop as the gums recede with age.
- Recurrent Decay
These cavities are recurrent and are present beside the existing fillings.
Can You Always Tell if You Have a Cavity?
The answer is no!
Cavities sometimes are very thin and hard to detect by an x-ray. Many won’t show any effect till the condition becomes severe. But, sometimes the problem becomes so big that you have to head straight for a root canal surgery to get rid of the problem.
But there are certain signs that indicate you might have a tooth cavity and it’s time that you should get it filled. Have a look at some of them:
- Tooth Ache
If you regularly sense tooth ache even when you are not eating, drinking or doing any mouth activity, then it is a clear indication that you might have a severe cavity. The pain generally arises from the infected nerves situated below the tooth enamel.
- Sensitivity
If you are experiencing sensitivity to sweet foods, hot and cold temperatures, it is an indication that the enamel of the tooth is getting damaged and needs re-filling.
- Dark spots
If you happen to see holes, dark spots or cracks in your tooth, it’s a cavity. It needs proper treatment or it can become severe if neglected.
- Bad breathe and taste
Bacteria in the mouth responsible for the cavity, if left untreated, cause the development of unusual smell in the mouth. In addition, they can also lead to the development of unusual taste. Thus, it is highly recommended to consult your dentist to avoid any severity.
- Presence of pus
If you feel some yellow liquid coming out of the tooth, this indicates that there is an abscess that requires immediate attention and refilling of the tooth cavity.
- Loss of the previous filling
If you already had a filling, you might still need to refill it in case the previous filling is lost or has broken. This is necessary or else your teeth might get infected again.
- Stuck food
If food often gets stuck in certain areas of the tooth every time you eat, this is bound to create an unbearable pain and in such cases the tooth needs re-filling.
Fillings: A Preliminary Approach to Prevention
If you have any tooth related disorders, it is highly recommended to get it diagnosed and adopt proper preventive measures in order to keep the condition under the control.
If you have one or all of the following tooth conditions, it is highly recommended to get the tooth re-filling:
- Severe aesthetic related problems
- Sharp edges in teeth
- Problems in pulpal nerves
Dental Caries Treatment
The filling and treatment of dental caries depend on the condition of damage. Generally, dentists remove the decayed portion by drilling and fill the hole with a filling made up of an alloy of silver, gold, porcelain or a composite resin.
If the damage is severe, the dentists in such a condition remove the damaged part and replace it by a crown made up of either gold or porcelain that is fused to metal that covers the rest of the tooth.
A dental filling is necessary when the damage is severe and no other option of treatment is left other than refilling the tooth.
Are Fillings Necessary?
As a matter of fact, fillings are the last option a dentist opts for as these are safe and prevent further tooth decay. However, you can avoid fillings by getting sealants placed at the back of the teeth.
Besides, you can avoid all tooth related treatments by adopting a healthy lifestyle. It is highly recommended to brush twice a day, eat dietary and healthy foods and maintain oral hygiene.