Recognizing The Top 5 Signs That You Need a Tooth Filling

Worried that you have a cavity? Only a dentist like Dr. Richard Zeller can tell you if you need a filling. But there are some signs that you can look out for. If you recognize one or more of the following symptoms, you may need a tooth filling in Portland, and you should come to Five Pines Dental for a consultation with our team.

1. Your Tooth Is Sensitive To Heat, Cold, Or Sugar

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by lots of things. But if one of your teeth suddenly starts feeling more sensitive when you drink hot beverages like tea and coffee, or when you eat cold food like ice cream, this could indicate the presence of a cavity. Sensitivity to sugary foods could also be a sign of tooth decay.

‍2. Your Tooth Is Tender Or Painful When You Bite Or Chew

If you feel tenderness or pain when you bite or chew, especially when you eat tough, hard, or crunchy foods, you may have a cavity. Large cavities can get food debris stuck in them, which causes pain and discomfort.

3. Your Tooth Is Visibly Discolored

In the first stages of tooth decay, you may notice a brighter, white patch on the tooth. This is a sign that the enamel has started to break down. When tooth decay gets worse, you may see dark gray or brown discoloration around the area. If your tooth looks like it’s changing color, you should definitely come to Five Pines Dental for a checkup.

4. You Can See A Hole Or Pit In Your Tooth

It’s not always possible to see a cavity in your tooth, especially if it’s between your teeth or on the back of your tooth. But if you are able to look at your teeth with a mirror, you may be able to see a visible hole or deep pit in the tooth, usually accompanied by brown or dark discoloration. If you see an abnormal hole in your tooth, give us a call and we can treat the problem.

5. You Have A Toothache That Won’t Go Away

Most of the time, small cavities don’t cause toothaches. Your tooth may hurt when you consume hot or cold foods or when you chew, but it typically won’t hurt all the time. However, if you have a big cavity that has progressed into a tooth infection, you may have a toothache that won’t go away.

This happens when your cavity eats through the outer layers of your tooth, exposing the pulp inside the tooth to bacteria. When this bacteria infects the pulp, it starts to kill the nerves and blood vessels that keep your tooth alive, causing serious pain. If you’ve got a toothache that won’t go away, you may need a root canal, as well as a dental filling or a dental crown to cover up and protect your tooth.

Don’t Risk Your Dental Health – Come To Five Pines Dental For A Filling

If you suspect you’ve got a cavity in one of your teeth and need a filling, it’s best to take action right away. The sooner you fill your tooth, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to avoid complications and further dental treatment. So, don’t wait. If you need a filling in Portland, give Five Pines Dental a call at (503) 482-2160 or contact us online. We’re always accepting new patients in the greater Portland area.