How Do You Know If You Have Dental Caries?
There are a number of common warning signs when a patient is suffering from a dental cavity. By paying attention to symptoms such as these, and seeking restorative treatment, it is often possible to stop the decay and restore the smile quickly. However, the longer you allow the cavity to remain untreated, the more likely extensive measures will become necessary to save the tooth.
So, if there are negative changes in your smile, talk to your dentist promptly. Here are a few of the warning signs you could have a cavity:
- Visible changes, like white patches, grey lines, or dark spots on the surface of teeth can all be warning signs of enamel erosion.
- Discomfort, even heightened sensitivity, is another common cavity symptom. It can be particularly uncomfortable when you try to enjoy hot, cold or sugary items.
- Visible plaque buildup, which often shows up as a yellow film along the surface of teeth, can also be indication of a problem, and most certainly requires a dental visit to be removed.
Ways a Filling Can Help Restore Your Smile
If you are diagnosed with a dental cavity, a filling will most likely be recommended. Dental fillings are minimally invasive treatment, but also highly effective at stopping enamel erosion, leading to increased comfort while chewing and preventing infection.
Thanks to modern forms of treatment, like composite resin fillings commonly called tooth-colored fillings, most people won’t even notice that you’ve had a restoration completed. So there is no reason to delay or worry about restorative treatment if you do suspect you have a cavity. Instead, schedule an appointment quickly for a restoration.