{"id":200,"date":"2023-06-14T14:40:36","date_gmt":"2023-06-14T14:40:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exceptionaldentistry.com\/blog\/?p=200"},"modified":"2023-07-21T14:45:40","modified_gmt":"2023-07-21T14:45:40","slug":"how-does-your-dentist-know-when-you-need-a-filling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exceptionaldentistry.com\/blog\/2023\/06\/14\/how-does-your-dentist-know-when-you-need-a-filling\/","title":{"rendered":"How Does Your Dentist Know When You Need a Filling?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four adults between 20 and 64 years old has at least one cavity, and older adults are twice as likely to have untreated cavities. As one of the most common oral health problems in the country, many patients learn at their routine checkups and cleanings with their dentists that they need a filling<\/a> to treat signs of decay. Read on to learn how they can tell that a cavity is forming and what they\u2019ll do to treat the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Decay?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Decay, also referred to as a cavity, is the process of harmful oral bacteria producing enamel eroding acid that deteriorates dental structure. These bacteria are fueled by leftover sugars and carbohydrates in the mouth, which bind with saliva to form plaque, and eventually, tartar. Without proper brushing and flossing, these bacteria will thrive because they\u2019ll have a steady source of food that allows them to survive within the mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If decay isn\u2019t treated in its earlier stages when it\u2019s eroding the protective enamel of teeth, it will continue eating through the dental structure, eventually leading to more serious problems, like tooth infections and painful toothaches. These typically require more extensive treatment<\/a> than a simple filling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can Your Dentist Tell if You Need a Filling?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At each of your routine checkups and cleanings, your dentist will examine your teeth for signs of common oral health problems, including gum disease and decay. In addition to a thorough visual and physical inspection, they may also use an intraoral camera to view the nooks and crannies of the mouth that are more difficult to see with the naked eye. Cavities can also form between teeth and find their way deep within a tooth, which is why X-rays are necessary as well. By using all of these methods, they\u2019ll be able to clearly diagnose decay and let you know when a filling is necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to your dentist\u2019s inspection, keep an eye out for common symptoms that you may experience at home so you can let them know at your next checkup. Some signs that you may need a filling include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n