Categories: Restorative Dentistry

If My Tooth Hurts, Do I Need A Filling?

Pain in and around a tooth that doesn’t pass after a few hours could mean you need to see your Dallas, TX, dentist. With restorative care, such as a dental filling, we can provide treatment for decayed teeth and return your smile to optimal health and function in as little as one visit! Learn more about our custom and natural-looking restorations in today’s blog.

Toothaches and Tooth Sensitivity

A cavity happens when our inner layers of dentin, which are sensitive and porous, become exposed to harmful bacteria. Typically, your outer tooth enamel prevents this, but should poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup weaken and erode your enamel, or should your tooth become chipped or cracked, then you may develop a cavity. As the decay grows more severe with time, you may begin to experience a toothache or prolonged tooth sensitivity. At this point, you should see us right away to prevent decay from becoming infection.

The Filling Process

If you have a cavity, then we can remove decay from the tooth and thoroughly clean it. Next, we prepare the restorative material, which is a metal-free blend of glass and acrylic that we shade to match your tooth structure. We apply the material and while curing it, shaping and sculpting your tooth. Finally, we polish the tooth to ensure a more lifelike appearance. In one visit, we safeguard your smile! Remember, if you attend routine six month checkup and cleaning, then we can likely identify and treat a cavity in the earliest possible stages. Be sure to cut back on sugary foods and drinks as well, and always make time to brush and floss your teeth each day too!

What If My Tooth Is Infected?

If the decay continues to grow worse and eventually reaches the inner pulp, your tooth’s nerve center, then a tooth could become infected or abscessed. Now, pain becomes more severe and you may have discomfort when you eat or speak. Swelling near the tooth, a discharge from it, fever, and aches and sensitivity are also common. In order to prevent the tooth from becoming lost, we can perform a root canal procedure to remove the infected tissue. We then cap the tooth with a custom-made crown that protects and blends with your smile. Again, in as little as one visit we can restore the health and beauty of your tooth. If you have any questions about our fillings or root canal treatments, then contact our team today to learn more. We would love to help you start 2020 on a healthier note!

Schedule a Visit Today

We can help you start a new year with a brighter and healthier smile, so don’t ignore that aching tooth! For more information on our restorative treatment options, schedule an appointment by calling Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).

 

Gentle Smiles

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