Only your trusted dentist can properly diagnose a cavity. This can be identified upon check-up. Your dentist will use a small mirror to look closely on the surface of your teeth. If the dentist sees anything abnormal, they might recommend an x-ray for further diagnosis. If a cavity is detected, a tooth filling may be called for.
A tooth filling provides restorative purposes to a tooth which has been damaged by decay. This brings back your tooth to its original functionality. Below are a few common reasons why you may need a tooth filling.
- Oh, the pain is real. You feel pain in your tooth. It might be a sting whenever you eat sweets, or it might be a painful toothache that comes at random. The pain might be a cavity. If you have a cavity, your dentist will remove the decayed portion. This is when you will need to fill in that part of your repaired tooth with a tooth filling.
- There is a crack in a previous filling. While tooth fillings are durable, they may not last forever. After years or decades of chewing, biting, and chomping, your tooth filling might wear and tear and need to be repaired.
Remember, prevention is better than cure. Keep your teeth clean and ensure bi-annual dentist visits.