How Can You Tell if You Need a Filling?

Sometimes, as they say, when you know you know. For example, when your coffee is too hot and you need to wait for it to cool down, or when it’s raining outside and you realize you should probably grab an umbrella. But when it comes to your smile, it can often be difficult to tell when it needs to be repaired. Here’s a closer look at some warning signs that it may be time for a filling, and what you should do if you notice them.

Dental Dangers: Signs You May Need a Filling

While not all teeth will ever look or feel like they need a filling, if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, it’s time to see your dentist for help:

• Sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods
• A persistent toothache that lasts more than 24 hours
• A sharp or throbbing pain in the tooth or surrounding area
• Pain when biting or chewing
• A hole or dark spot you can see or feel on the tooth
• Dental floss that keeps tearing in a particular spot
• Teeth that constantly get food trapped between them
• A rough tooth
• A broken, preexisting filling
• A chipped or fractured tooth

If you notice any of these, don’t wait until your regular preventive dental checkup and cleaning to address them. Reach out to your dentist to schedule an urgent appointment to have the tooth in question evaluated. This can help catch cavities before they have a chance of getting worse, which can eventually become more painful and lead to more costly treatment later.

How Will My Dentist Know if I Need a Filling?

In addition to examining your teeth in person, your dentist may utilize several tools to determine whether you have a cavity, including X-rays and a dental probe. These devices can help assess the condition of the tooth, as well as determine how severe any damage is. Depending on the size of the cavity, this could require either a filling or a crown. In some cases, cavities can be reversed with excellent oral hygiene, but your dentist will need to make the official prognosis.

Remember, while it may be easy to tell if you’re running out of dish soap or need to add air to your tires, diagnosing a cavity yourself can be extremely difficult. Thus, if you notice any of the above signs or symptoms, it’s time to contact your dentist for an urgent appointment. This will not only give you the opportunity to repair your tooth before any damage gets worse, but it will provide you with valuable peace of mind about the health of your smile.

About Dr. Koenitzer

Dr. Bob Koenitzer has been voted Best Dentist in Petaluma six years in a row, and it’s easy to see why! A proud graduate of the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) dental school, Dr. Koenitzer went on to become the youngest faculty member at UCSF treating patients and training students. Today, he is proud to be back in his hometown of Petaluma, helping to repair and protect the smiles of his community. To schedule an appointment for fillings, visit our website or call 707-766-6666.