If you suspect having a cavity but don’t experience any pain or discomfort, you might wonder if it’s necessary to visit a dental clinic and have your cavity filled. Keep reading this blog to discover the answer and understand the significance of early cavity treatment.
Do I Need to Get a Cavity Filled if I Don’t Feel Any Discomfort or Pain?
Yes, it’s necessary to have a cavity filled even if you don’t feel any pain. Most cavities do not cause pain until they become profound and significant. However, delaying treatment can lead to future pain, discomfort, and potential complications like tooth infections.
How can I tell if I have a Cavity without Experiencing Pain?
Even without a toothache, cavities can cause tooth sensitivity. Pay attention to how your tooth feels when you consume hot or cold foods and sugary items. Sensitivity may indicate the presence of a cavity.
However, some cavities may not show any symptoms; this makes it difficult to discover them on your own. Regular visits to your dentist near you are crucial for maintaining oral health. During routine check-ups and cleanings every six months, your dentist can examine your teeth, identify potential cavities, and use X-rays to detect hidden signs of decay.
What Happens if I Don’t Get a Filling for a Cavity?
The cavity will worsen over time, and your tooth may eventually become infected, requiring root canal therapy and a dental crown. These treatments are more complex, invasive and costly than simple fillings. Cavities do not disappear on their own and should not be ignored, even if they are not currently causing pain or discomfort. Cavities can continue to progress and become more severe since they trap food debris and bacteria that would typically be eliminated through regular brushing. Maintaining good overall oral hygiene is not sufficient to prevent cavities from deepening.
Benefits of Dental Fillings
Some of the benefits of dental fillings at Family Dental Care in Crestwood include:
Treating a cavity with a dental filling effectively halts its further growth. During the cavity treatment, your dentist removes the decay-causing bacteria and prevents the affected tooth from developing a larger cavity in that area. This approach also minimizes the risk of future decay in that tooth region. Thus, dental fillings play an important role in preventing future tooth decay.
When considering applying a dental filling near you, it is essential to recognize the condition of the tooth being treated. Typically, decay has affected the tooth to some extent. By using filling materials to restore the tooth, the filling strengthens the natural structure weakened by decay. Consequently, the tooth becomes less susceptible to fractures caused by decay, improving its overall strength.
Dental fillings effectively repair broken teeth or teeth damaged by teeth grinding (bruxism). Depending on the severity of the injury, a filling can be utilized for substantial tooth repair, allowing the tooth to regain its natural appearance and functionality. If you require multiple restorations due to decay on various teeth, don’t let anxiety hinder you from seeking necessary treatment. Discuss the option of sleep dentistry with your dentist to ensure a comfortable experience with minimal visits.
Dental fillings also enhance the appearance of a tooth. Decay or injuries to teeth, especially those in the front, can cause significant embarrassment or anxiety. Dental fillings can address these concerns by filling the cavities and improving the tooth’s aesthetic. They can even be used to reshape and cover front teeth, helping you achieve the smile you desire.
One additional benefit of dental fillings is that certain fillings may release fluoride into the tooth. This fluoride release, although not applicable to all fillings, can aid in repairing the tooth and remineralizing any remaining decay. Fluoride helps reduce bacterial growth and prevents further tooth decay. This makes the filling an immediate solution to the tooth problem and a means of strengthening your tooth.
In some cases, fillings serve as a preventative measure. By addressing tooth decay at an early stage with a filling, the need for more extensive fillings in the future can be avoided. Additionally, dental fillings may release fluoride, inhibit bacterial growth, and prevent further damage to the tooth. If you have deep grooves, fissures, or signs of wear or erosion on your teeth, a preventative dental filling might be recommended.
