Do I Need a Filling?

You cannot see much in your mouth but how do you tell if you need a filling? The obvious answer is to visit your dentist. Our dentists at Woodcock Lane Dental Care have special lights, sensors and x-ray devices that can see inside all your teeth to check they are healthy. The latest x-rays are digital with only 10% of the radiation of some previous ones.

The common symptoms that you may notice if you need a filling:

1. Discomfort on biting.

2. Sensitivity with temperature. It can be with hot, cold or even sweet drinks and foods. The longer the discomfort lasts after having the food or drink, the closer the decay is to the nerve of your tooth.

3. Food getting caught in between teeth. Often it can be hard to remove with floss or sticks and is due to a hole in a tooth.

4. A rough or sharp tooth, often more noticeable with your tongue rather than your finger.

5. Your dental floss tearing on a particular area/teeth in your mouth.

6. Toothache. A general ache in an area. Often it is hard to work out whether it is coming from your top or bottom teeth, let alone which particular tooth!

 

You may see:

1. Some discolouration in a tooth. This can be white, a cream colour, orange or yellow or just a dark shadow.

2. A crack. Early decay gives NO symptoms and can be reversed before you need a more complex or expensive procedure. Fluoride may be applied or a sealant applied to the tooth.

Decay is not the only reason you may need a filling. Your tooth may be cracked or worn from nail-biting, tooth grinding (bruxism) or using your teeth to open things. Worn teeth can be built up with tooth-coloured filling materials.

At Woodcock Lane we believe in prevention and help you reverse the signs of dental disease. If you think you need a filling we can assess your mouth and discuss all the different materials that are currently available and what would be best for you. Let the experts make sure your mouth is cavity free by calling 01453 828327 where our friendly reception team will book you in for your initial assessment