Help! When do I need a filling?

For a small to a medium cavity that needs dental attention, your dentist may recommend a dental filling. This painless procedure is a great way to preserve your living tooth structure while removing decay that’s set in. Some of the most common questions I get about fillings include ones such as these:

• How do I know if I need a filling?
• Should I have my silver fillings removed?
• Does it hurt to get a filling?
• How many times will I need to go to the dentist for my filling?

First of all, don’t worry! Getting or replacing fillings is one of the most painless dental procedures. Also, there’s a lot of confusion about which types of fillings to consider. We’ll cover that so you can go to your next appointment with more confidence and less concern. Let’s look at what dental fillings are, what to expect when you get a filling and other common questions.

So first, what is a dental filling?

A dental filling is a dental procedure used to restore part of a tooth that has been damaged by decay.

There are a number of materials that can be used for tooth filling. Amalgam (silver colored), composite (white, or shaded to match the color of your remaining teeth), or even gold can be used although not very common!

How does my dentist know I need a filling?

The most tell-tale signs of a cavity or decay are pain or sensitivity around the affected area or food suddenly getting caught between teeth. You should book an appointment with your dentist as soon as you feel pain or when cold drinks or hot foods cause you to jump with discomfort or tingling. Because pain occurs when a cavity is already fairly large, it’s important to be seen quickly when you feel pain.

Of all the information provided in this blog regarding dental fillings, what are the most important things to remember?

First, don’t ignore the sharp or throbbing pain in one or a few teeth. It’s tempting to self-treat this type of pain and wait until you can afford dental work, but the longer your cavity has to take root, the more chances you’ll have a more expensive procedure ahead.

Second, make sure you understand your options. Whether it’s the choice between a root canal or a dental filling or just selecting the right material for your dental filling, ask for what’s best for your teeth in the long run. Third, remember that fillings are almost always pain-free. The worst part of just about every dental filling is the injection at the very beginning when your dentist numbs your teeth.

Want to know more about the process of getting a tooth filled? Book your appointment and ask me for thorough information about the options you have.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Yasmin Youssef