A tooth filling is a process of restoring damage done to teeth by removing decay and repairing the affected tooth. Tooth fillings are a way of repairing cavities so that they do not become larger dental issues. A filling can fix a small hole in a tooth or repair a crack or fracture in a tooth. If left untreated tooth decay can cause serious issues with your dental health, as you may require root canals or extractions as a result. Tooth fillings are a good thing and can keep you smiling for a long time. Here are a few tell-tale signs that you may need a tooth filling.
Toothache
If you are experiencing toothache you should see a dentist if the toothache has persisted for two days or more, as this is probably the most common sign that you will require a filling or one of many other dental treatments.
Toothache can be caused by many different issues which could include any of the following
● Tooth decay
● A dental abscess
● A cracked or damaged tooth
● A loose or broken filling
● An infection - Often caused by a wisdom tooth which has broken the skin, but lacks the essential room to fully come through
● An issue with your braces
There are a few ways you can help to prevent toothache and the best ways to do this are as follows,
● Regular dental check ups
● Reducing the amount of sugary food and drinks you have by having them as occasional treats at mealtimes
● Brushing your teeth twice a day for approximately 2 minutes with a fluoride based toothpaste
● Cleaning between your teeth on a daily basis with dental floss or an interdental brush, this will help to remove food debris and plaque from your teeth
Fractured teeth
Whether your tooth is fractured by an injury or general wear and tear, you can experience a variety of symptoms. These range from erratic pain when you chew your food, to sudden pain when your tooth is exposed to hot or cold temperatures. When a piece of the tooth has broken off it is called a fractured cusp and often doesn’t affect the pulp of the tooth so does not cause much pain and can usually be repaired with a filling or a crown over the damaged tooth. Once the affected tooth has been treated it can usually continue to function as intended for many years of pain-free biting and chewing.
Tooth crazing
Craze lines are vertical lines or cracks on the tooth enamel and these are caused by stress placed on a tooth. These issues can be caused by a lifetime of chewing, by issues such as temporomandibular joint problems, clenching and grinding of teeth, or biting of fingernails. These cracks in the surface of the tooth darken over time and are often unsightly, but they can be treated by the application of enamel coloured filling material. This type of tooth filling is often called cosmetic bonding.
Tooth crazing can be easily prevented by the following,
● Do not chew on hard objects. For example, ice, unpopped popcorn kernels, or pens and pen lids
● Do not clench or grind your teeth
● If you are prone to clenching or grinding your teeth in your sleep talk to your dentist about getting a retainer or mouth guard which should help protect your teeth
● Wear a retainer or mouth guard when participating in contact sports
Tooth wear
Tooth wear is often caused by three processes. These are attrition, abrasion and erosion and can lead to a condition known as abfraction, which is where tooth tissue is ‘fractured’ due to stress lesions caused by extrinsic force on the enamel. Abrasion often comes hand in hand with erosion and as such a toothbrush and toothpaste will easily remove a softened layer of tooth. So it is advised to brush gently but thoroughly with a small amount of toothpaste.
Tooth wear is a very common condition. It is a normal physiological process which occurs throughout life. There are however a couple of alternate ways in which tooth wear can occur. These are bruxism or teeth grinding and can sometimes cause chipping and further damage to teeth.
Once again this can be repaired by using an enamel coloured filling material repairing the teeth and restoring the surface. These kinds of tooth fillings can help to improve your bite and ability to chew. Once the teeth have been repaired it is advised to use a night guard to prevent further wear on the teeth.
Dark spots on teeth
The discolouration of teeth is called fluorosis. It can often appear as white or greyish streaks across the teeth and in severe cases can cause dark brown spots or pits. You may also find that dark spots on your teeth are caused by internal decay from cavities or other serious dental issues. A cavity is a small hole which appears when the protective layer of the tooth is broken down, but you can always have your dentist check to see if the dark spots on your teeth are caused by a cavity.
When your floss tears in a certain spot
Flossing removes plaque and debris that sticks to the space in between the teeth and gums. It polishes the tooth surface and can help prevent bad breath. It is recommended to floss or use an interdental brush on a daily basis to help prevent gum disease and the buildup of plaque and debris. If you experience a slight tearing of the floss when you do this it may mean that you have the starts of tooth decay and that there may be a small hole in the enamel of your tooth.
If you have experienced or noticed any of the above tell-tale signs you should seek help from your dentist. If you are not registered with a dentist there are other potential ways to seek assistance, with 24 hour emergency dentists London and available in many other regions of the UK. If the services are not 24 hours you may have to wait to be seen until the dentist is open, usually in normal business hours from Monday to Friday. There are NHS options available to assist at most Primary Care locations at hospitals across the country.
