When a Dentist Would Recommend Dental Fillings

A dentist may recommend a dental filling sooner than a patient may expect, and not all decay causes symptoms. Patients may visit this practitioner for a variety of reasons, including twice-yearly cleanings and maintenance, concerns about gum inflammation or disease, and inquiry about dental fillings for tooth decay. Learn more about what to expect at a dentist visit that addresses tooth decay below.

Do all cavities need a dental filling immediately?

When patients speak to dentists about cavities, the tooth in question is likely already experiencing a moderate degree of decay. Patients who notice the following signs may be suffering from a cavity that should be filled immediately:

• Pain when biting down or at rest
• Sensitivity to heat, cold, and sweet foods
• Swelling around the tooth

The dentist may recommend a dental filling for a patient if any of the above signs, along with the presence of decay, are noticed upon examination. Sometimes, the patient does not experience any symptoms with a smaller cavity, which is why it is important to self-examine teeth at home and to make regular dental appointments.

Does a dentist ever opt to delay fillings?

Patients may walk into a dentist's office with the expectation that a tiny spot on a tooth is not a problem. Unfortunately, those who have been told that cavities can go away or self-repair after starting are misinformed. Cavities may progress very slowly; at times a patient may be able to wait until a more convenient appointment time for a minor cavity if there are no time-sensitive symptoms such as pain or swelling in the surrounding gum tissue.

If a patient comes to the dentist with a large spot of decay on a tooth, a history of cavities, and the time to receive a filling, the dentist will likely suggest that this patient undergo a filling immediately to prevent the risk of further issues such as pain and sensitivity. For health reasons, most dental practitioners will advise patients to take care of even minor decay as soon as possible.

Fillings, which are usually composed of either metal, ceramic, or composite material, can be used for purposes other than cavities and decay. If a patient has a cracked tooth from grinding or a tooth that has been worn down from nail-biting, a dentist may opt to place a filling in this tooth to keep it stable and decrease the chance of future cavities. Any opening, crack, or fissure in a tooth leaves it vulnerable to further decay, so it is always better to eliminate these issues sooner rather than later.