Tooth fillings are a common dental procedure used to repair cavities or damaged teeth.
Detecting a cavity in your tooth can involve several signs and symptoms. Here are some common indicators that you might have a cavity:
Tooth Pain or Sensitivity: You may experience spontaneous pain or sensitivity when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages.
Visible Holes or Pits: Sometimes you can visually spot a cavity as a hole or pit on the surface of your tooth. This is more apparent in larger cavities.
Tooth Discoloration: The affected tooth might appear darker or have visible spots of discoloration.
Pain when Chewing: Cavities can cause discomfort or pain when you bite down or chew food.
Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste: Bacteria in cavities can produce foul-smelling compounds or cause a bad taste in your mouth.
Swelling Around the Tooth: In advanced stages, the gum tissue around the affected tooth may become swollen or painful.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to schedule an appointment with us. Our dentist can confirm whether you have a cavity and recommend the appropriate treatment to prevent further damage to your tooth.
Early detection and treatment of cavities can help avoid more extensive dental procedures later on.

While fillings are generally straightforward, there can be problems or complications. Here’s an overview of tooth filling problems and procedures:
Sensitivity:
Sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet foods/drinks immediately after a filling is common, and Usually resolves on its own within a few weeks. Using toothpaste for sensitive teeth or fluoride treatments can help.
Pain:
Pain or discomfort in the filled tooth may occur if the filling is too high or if there is an issue with the nerve. In this case Contact us and our Dentist can adjust the filling to relieve pressure on the tooth or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers.
Allergic Reaction:
Some people may have allergic reactions to the materials used in dental fillings, such as amalgam (containing mercury), composite resin, or other metals. If you suspect an allergic reaction (rare), consult our dentist immediately for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Filling Dislodgement:
Fillings can become loose or dislodged due to chewing on hard foods, trauma, or poor bonding.
Contact us for an appointment. They may need to replace the filling or repair the tooth.
Tooth Fracture:
In rare cases, the tooth structure around the filling can fracture, especially if the filling is large.
Treatment may involve replacing the filling or possibly more extensive dental work, such as a crown.
Infection or Decay:
If bacteria get under the filling or if the filling doesn’t seal the tooth properly, it can lead to decay or infection. Our team dentist will need to remove the old filling, clean the decayed area, and place a new filling or perform additional treatment as needed.

Procedures for Tooth Fillings:
Preparation:
Evaluation: Your dentist examines your teeth, takes X-rays if necessary, and discusses the type of filling suitable for your cavity.
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is typically used to numb the tooth and surrounding area.
Filling Placement:
Cleaning: The decayed or damaged part of the tooth is removed using a dental drill or laser.
Shaping: The tooth is prepared to ensure proper bonding of the filling material.
Placement: The filling material (composite resin, amalgam, etc.) is placed in layers and hardened with a special light (for composite resin) or by chemical reaction (for amalgam).
Adjustment and Polishing:
Check Bite: Your dentist checks your bite to ensure the filling doesn’t interfere with your bite.
Smoothing: Excess filling material is trimmed and polished to match the natural shape of your tooth.
Aftercare:
Sensitivity: You may experience sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure after the procedure.
Care: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods immediately after getting a filling.
Follow-Up:
Check-ups: Attend regular dental check-ups to monitor the condition of the filling and the overall health of your teeth.
If you experience persistent pain, sensitivity, or any other unusual symptoms after getting a filling, it’s important to contact us. Our dentist can assess the situation and recommend appropriate treatment to address any issues. Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure the longevity of your dental fillings.