When it comes to maintaining a healthy smile, early action is critical. Cavities are one of the most common dental issues, but they can easily escalate from minor annoyances to serious problems requiring extensive treatment. Spotting dental decay early could mean the difference between a simple dental filling and more invasive procedures.
Below, we’ll walk you through the key signs and symptoms of cavities, the importance of seeking dental care, and why Eagle Dental is the trusted name for dental fillings in Edmond.
Understanding Cavities and Dental Fillings
Cavities, also known as caries, are small holes or areas of dental decay on the surface of your teeth. They form when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—builds up and starts breaking down tooth enamel. If left untreated, cavities can extend deeper into the tooth, leading to pain, infection, or even tooth loss. When that happens, you’ll need more extensive restorative dentistry.
Dental fillings are your early decay intervention, repairing the damage caused by cavities. They fill the space with a body-safe material, restoring the tooth’s strength and function. Fillings are well worth it, as smaller cavities are easier and less costly to fix.
Signs You Might Need a Dental Filling in Edmond
Tooth Sensitivity
Feeling discomfort or sharp pain when indulging in hot, cold, or sweet food? This kind of sensitivity could mean your enamel is damaged. That’s the top protective layer of your teeth. When enamel erodes, it exposes the more sensitive layers beneath.
Sensitivity like this should never be ignored, as it is often your early warning sign of the beginning stages of a cavity. If your morning iced latte or small dessert after dinner has you wincing, contact us.
Visible Holes or Dark Spots
Take a close look at your teeth in the mirror. Do you notice any visible pits or discoloration? It could look like brown or black spots on your teeth. Some decay even looks white. The point is, if there’s a spot that has a different color or texture from the rest of your smile, it could be a sign of decay.
Pain While Chewing
Tenderness or pain while biting down can be a warning sign of a cavity that has gotten beyond the early stages. You’ll typically start to feel a cavity when the decay begins to affect deeper layers of the tooth. If the other signs are little red flags, this is more like a warning alarm. You likely need dental fillings in Edmond.
Lingering Bad Breath
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth, even after brushing, might mean bacteria are trapped in a cavity. This bacterial buildup can also lead to plaque and tartar, compounding the problem.
In fact, chronic halitosis is always a sign to see a dentist. Tooth decay isn’t the only possible culprit. You could have the early stages of gum disease or even be in need of wisdom teeth removal. Don’t brush off bad breath.
Swelling or Bleeding Gums
Cavities near your gum line could irritate the surrounding tissue, causing inflammation or bleeding. While bleeding gums, especially when brushing, could also indicate gum disease, it’s worth having our dentist assess the situation. Either way, it’s a sign.
Why We Don’t Want You to Wait
Catching cavities early isn’t just about saving money—even though that’s a plus. It’s also about preserving your natural teeth. When left to linger for too long, cavities can spread to neighboring teeth, involve nerves, and even lead to infections requiring root canals or extractions. A quick visit to our dentist for a dental filling in Edmond can prevent these complications.
Regular checkups at Eagle Dental include routine cleanings and careful exams to detect cavities in their earliest stages. With our advanced technology, we can identify decay even before it becomes noticeable to you, saving you time and discomfort.
Steps You Can Take to Prevent Tooth Decay
While cavities are common, they aren’t inevitable. Here are some tips to reduce your risk:
- Brush Twice Daily
- Floss Daily
- Avoid Sugar
- Get Regular Exams
- Stay Hydrated
Don’t Let Cavities Steal Your Smile
If you suspect you might have a cavity or need a dental filling in Edmond, now’s the time to act. At Eagle Dental, we’re here to protect your smile and restore your confidence. Get started today to book your appointment, and let our friendly team help you achieve a healthy, pain-free smile.
