Most people experience toothaches at some point in their lives. This pain occurs when the nerves inside or surrounding the tooth become irritated or inflamed. You may have swelling, sensitivity to cold or heat, or pain when you apply pressure to the tooth. In severe cases, a fever or headache may accompany the discomfort.

Although many things can make a tooth ache, tooth decay is the most common cause of discomfort. If a skilled dentist, like one from Valley Dental Clinic, determines a cavity is the source of your pain, it must be treated with a dental filling to alleviate your distress.

This treatment is necessary to remove the decay from the tooth and make it strong enough for you to eat your favorite foods. Dental fillings are completed pain-free and are a standard part of restorative dentistry.

Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Decay

There are multiple ways to know that you need a dental filling, some of which you don’t even need a top dentist in Wasilla to recognize.

General Tooth Sensitivity

You may notice your tooth is mildly or severely sensitive. This sensitivity is one of the most common cavity symptoms. Your tooth may be sensitive to hot or cold food. Decay makes it easier for temperature variations to penetrate the tooth, making you more likely to feel a zing that may come out of nowhere.

Pain While Chewing

Certain foods or beverages may trigger sensitivity, but you may also feel a sharp pain when applying pressure and biting. Severe tooth decay can irritate the nerve inside the tooth, causing it to flare up every time you bite down.

Visible Holes

Seeing a visible hole in your tooth is a clear indication that you must visit your dentist immediately for an exam. It may be visible when you look in the mirror, or you might feel it by rubbing your tongue over the surface of your tooth.

The Role of Dental Fillings

A cavity is a hole in your tooth caused by decay. When left untreated, it can spread to adjacent teeth. Dental fillings restore mild to moderate cavities caused by tooth decay that has destroyed your tooth’s natural structure.

During the dental filling, your dentist cleans the decay and fills the hole with a safe material. This material is designed to stick to your tooth with the help of a special adhesive. Once completed, it prevents debris and bacteria from entering the hole and making your toothache worse.

What to Expect During a Filling Procedure

The first step before any dental treatment is an examination. Your dentist will check your tooth for decay or infection. They may do this using a special dye to highlight areas of decay and an X-ray to determine the extent of the issue. After diagnosis, you’ll schedule an appointment for the dental filling procedure.

During your dental filling appointment, your dentist will numb the area surrounding the tooth with a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain.

When your tooth is numb, your dentist will prepare it by removing the decay. They may use a handheld or motorized instrument and water to loosen debris. Once the decay is gone, they may apply a gel that helps clean the tooth and remove bacteria.

Today, most dentists use a tooth-colored material to rebuild the area where the decay used to be. However, other materials may be used, depending on your tooth’s condition.

A tooth-colored composite requires an adhesive to help it bond to the tooth. A special light is applied to the area for a few seconds to harden the material. This process is repeated to build the tooth to the correct shape and size to prevent further damage and decay.

Finally, your dentist will smooth any rough spots and polish the composite material. This step helps create a natural-looking filling. You’ll bite on carbon paper to determine whether the filling is too high. If it is, they’ll reduce it to ensure it matches your natural bite.

Don’t ignore the signs.

A toothache will most likely not resolve on its own. When you have tooth pain, your body is telling you something is happening inside your mouth. You should never ignore swelling, inflammation, and pain within your mouth.

Cavities are a common problem that can become very distressing. Fortunately, a dental filling is a non-invasive treatment for tooth decay that will alleviate your discomfort and prevent the problem from worsening.

Quality Dentistry for the Entire Family

If one or more teeth hurt when you chew, schedule an exam at Valley Dental Clinic in Wasilla. Our dental team will give you the necessary answers to restore your comfort and keep your smile healthy for many years. We deliver gentle, compassionate care regardless of the treatment you need. Contact us today to see what’s causing your toothache.