When Might a General Dentist Recommend a Dental Filling?

General Dentist Phoenix, AZ

The general dentist often uses a dental filling as a restoration procedure for teeth damaged due to decay. Unless the tooth is severely damaged and needs a root canal and a crown, only the tooth filling will be enough. It is better to visit the dentist regularly for checkups, so decay not get too severe.

Reasons for dental fillings

The following are reasons why the general dentist might recommend a dental filling:

Tooth decay

Tooth decay or cavities are usually first noticed through tooth pain. A toothache is usually the first sign that someone might need dental fillings. Other indicators include sensitivity to sweet foods, pressure and hot or cold items. If sudden or throbbing pain occurs when chewing or biting, the tooth might need to be filled.

When patients visit the general dentist, they will undergo an oral examination, during which the dental professional will ask about the signs and check for visual indications of cavities. The visible signs include dark spots on the teeth, noticeable holes on the teeth and the presence of food debris in certain areas. Dental x-rays may also be taken to ascertain the extent and location of the decay.

Fractured teeth

Aside from cavities, having fractured teeth is another reason the dentist might recommend getting dental fillings. The composite filling material can be used to repair the fracture to prevent further damage or decay.

Cracks on the teeth

Also called craze lines, the vertical lines are cracks along the tooth enamel resulting from the stress induced on the teeth. It could be caused by activities like teeth grinding, jaw clenching, biting fingernails, or chewing hard objects like ice. The surface cracks can discolor the teeth eventually. The dentist can recommend dental filling material to cover the crack lines and restore the tooth’s appearance. The procedure is sometimes also known as bonding.

Tooth deterioration

The teeth can wear down with age, causing the biting edges to get flatter and darker. The teeth will also look less appealing. The deterioration is usually caused by bruxism or teeth grinding. This can also lead to a chipped tooth and further damages. The tooth-colored composite used for dental filling can be used to repair the tooth and restore its appearance. The restoration process can also improve the tooth’s strength and consequently enhance its functions. After repairing the teeth, the general dentist may recommend a nightguard to protect the teeth from further damages.

Visit the dentist for a dental filling

The general dentist uses tooth fillings to repair tooth decay so that it does not worsen into severe issues eventually. Fillings cover the cavity resulting from the decay, but it is also effective for repairing fractures and cracks on the teeth. Without treatment, tooth decay can result in tooth infection and eventual tooth loss. With timely dental fillings, it is possible to prevent the need for root canal or extraction.

If you are experiencing tooth pain, you should visit the dentist immediately to have it checked. Sometimes tooth decay is painless, which is why regular dental appointments are important. Contact the dental office today to get started.

Request an appointment here: https://dental32az.com or call Dental 32 at (602) 466-9906 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Phoenix, AZ.

Related Posts

General Dentist Tips For Tooth Pain

A general dentist can help you to get past any toothache. Toothaches tend to occur as the worst possible times and they are usually an indicator there is something wrong with that specific tooth.Toothaches are often the result of a tooth being damaged by decay or trauma. It can also be a symptom of an…

General Dentist FAQs: Answers To Your Dental Concerns

Seeing a general dentist for regular checkups should be part of your dental care routine. This dental professional can help maintain and even improve your teeth and gum health. Asking the right questions can help you know more about proper oral care. Below are some of the questions you can ask your general dentist during…

The Benefits Of Having A General Dentist

A general dentist is the dental equivalent of a primary care physician. A general dental professional is the person dental patients can go to for routine preventative care and diagnosis of any oral health problems. There are multiple benefits to establishing a relationship with a general dentist.Maintaining oral health is important for both the health…

A General Dentist Discusses Essentials For Good Oral Health

Any general dentist knows that oral health is about more than just strong teeth. It is also a bellwether of overall physical health, which makes maintaining healthy teeth and gums a crucial part of any wellness routine. Showing up for cleanings twice a year is not enough to keep teeth and gums healthy. Patients should…