Dental Fillings

How Do You Know You Need a Filling?

Dr. Call will let you know whether you need a filling or not based on a close examination of your teeth as well as x-rays. These signs may indicate that you have a tooth cavity that needs filling:

•    A jagged or rough feeling whenever you run your tongue over your tooth

•    Noticing that the dental floss frays whenever you're flossing a specific set of teeth

•    A visible hole in your tooth

•    Sensitivity or pain in your tooth whenever you apply pressure to it or touch it

•    Constant pain in your tooth that includes sharp or throbbing pains, and toothache

You may still need a filling even if you don't experience any of the above-listed symptoms. Sometimes, as a result of tooth decay, you may not experience any of these symptoms. If you have smaller cavities, for example, you may not experience any discomfort or pain. This is why we recommend visiting your dentist at least twice annually for cleaning and a checkup that include x-rays to help prevent cavities or find them when they are still small. If you're in the Surprise, AZ area and need a dental filling, finding a dentist near Happy Trails Resorts Surprise AZ for regular checkups can help catch issues early.

How Does a Filling Protect Your Teeth?

Dental bonding is another fast way to enhance your smile. Using composite resin, Dr. Call can repair a number of cosmetic issues such as:

• Protect your teeth from decay
• Can improve the color of your teeth
• Can repair and strengthen fractured teeth
• Composite fillings can improve structure
• Tooth fillings stop the cavity from getting any larger
  

What Are the Different Types of Fillings?

•       Composite fillings: These are also known as tooth-colored fillings or white fillings and often resemble natural teeth. They are made from plastic and ceramic compound.

•       Porcelain Ceramic: This filling material is also tooth-colored but is much stronger and has a longer life-span than a composite filling. 

•       Cast-gold fillings: Some patients often prefer this filling because of its aesthetic, but they're also pretty strong and have an extended life span.

•       Glass ionomer: This filling is made from a particular type of glass material and acrylic. It's commonly used for fillings in younger kids and below the gum line. However, the material is prone to fracture and wear. It's also weak compared to composite resin.

How Do I Know I Need a Root Canal?

Sometimes, the damage to a tooth is so severe that a simple filling will no longer fix the problem. If you find yourself in need of treatment, it's essential to locate a dentist near Sun City West, AZ. Dental decay may affect the pulp inside your tooth, and when the pulp is infected or inflamed, the infection could spread to the surrounding teeth. This can affect your general health.

You will need a root canal if the pulp has an infection due to the decayed tooth and a filling is no longer an option. Some of the signs that you may need a root canal include:

• An infected tooth that feels looser
• A cracked or chipped tooth
• Pain when you touch the tooth or when you eat
• Swollen gums
• Tooth discoloration
• Sensitivity to cold and heat
• Persistent pain