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Brushing and flossing are excellent ways to reduce your risk of cavities, however, they can't offer absolute protection from decay. healthy smileFortunately, fillings offered by your Kinnelon, NJ, family dentist, Dr. Peter Brusco, can restore your decayed tooth. Do you know the signs that may mean that you need a filling?

 

How can I tell if I need a filling?

You may need a filling if you:

  • Have a Toothache: Tooth decay can be painful, although you won't always experience discomfort when the cavity is still small. As cavities grow larger, though, they will very likely irritate nerves in your tooth, and thus cause pain.
  • Notice Dark Spots on Teeth: Brown or black spots on your teeth are very noticeable signs of tooth decay. If you notice these spots, schedule an appointment with your Kinnelon dentist as soon as possible.
  • See Holes: Holes or pits in teeth are also signs of decay and warrant a visit to the dentist.
  • Experience Pain When Eating or Drinking: Pain can increase when you chew or press on your tooth or during meals. Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sugary foods/beverages can make mealtime particularly painful.

 

What happens when I receive a filling?

Before the treatment begins, your Kinnelon family dentist will numb your mouth by injecting a local anesthetic. Once you're completely numb, he uses specialized tools to remove the decayed portion of the tooth. Adding filling material to the tooth will then ensure that the tooth will become healthy once more!

Although silver amalgam was once the filling of choice, composite resin fillings are now becoming more and more common. These fillings are tinted to match the shade of your teeth, thus making them a conspicuous addition to your smile.

Another benefit to composite resin fillings is that they don't expand or contract when exposed to temperature extremes Over the years, expansion and contraction can eventually weaken or crack teeth, causing new dental health issues. Luckily, you won't have to worry about those issues when you opt for a tooth-colored filling!

 

 

Do you have pain in a tooth or another sign or symptom of a cavity? Prevent the decay from worsening by calling your Kinnelon, NJ, family dentist, Dr. Peter Brusco, at (973) 838-5862 today!