You're out with friends, enjoying your favorite treat—ice cream—when you notice a sharp, sensitive zing in your tooth. This hasn't happened before, and it subsides quickly, but it makes it difficult to enjoy your ice cream.
Did you know that sensitivity may be an early sign of tooth decay? Even though the zing went away quickly, it can indicate that there's decay in your tooth, and it's a good time to check in with your dentist. Early cavity detection means that your dentist can typically treat the tooth decay with a simple dental filling.
4 Signs You Might Need a Cavity Filling
Here are some of the common, telltale signs to be aware of that might indicate tooth decay:
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or sweets
- Darkening or tooth discoloration
- Tenderness when biting or chewing
- Visible pits or holes in the tooth
Cavity fillings are a straightforward treatment for tooth decay. Our dentists use composite tooth-colored fillings to restore teeth with small areas of decay. Composite fillings provide the durability you want and the aesthetics you need.
What Are the Benefits of Cavity Treatment in Kalaheo?
If you need a dental filling, it's important not to ignore the treatment. Treating it promptly means you'll restore your tooth with a less costly, less invasive treatment. Many patients don't even need an anaesthetic for a simple filling.
If your tooth decay goes untreated, or worse yet, goes unnoticed, it can progress deeper into your tooth, reaching the nerve and pulp and resulting in a painful infection. If your tooth becomes infected, you'll need more complex treatment, such as a root canal, to eliminate the infection and preserve your natural tooth structure. It quickly becomes more costly and time-consuming to treat your tooth.
Contact Kalaheo Dental Group
If you've noticed any symptoms of tooth decay, even if it's early, contact our team at (808) 332-9445 to book an exam with one of our dentists.