A dental filling restores and repairs the part of the tooth that has been damaged by decay, fracture, or wear. If the condition is left untreated the decay will continue to spread into tooth resulting in more invasive dental treatment.
Therefore when a dental restoration is prescribed, the filling should be done in a timely manner to prevent further extensive and expensive treatment.
What are the warning signs of cavities in your teeth? Experiencing discomfort from sugary foods, hot and/or cold liquids may be signs of decay. Decay may be getting close to the center of the tooth, which is called the pulp. If the condition is not treated early, the discomfort will increase. Sensitivity to hot or cold may also be a sign of a fractured tooth.
Composite fillings are a very acidic material and it is very normal to experience hot and cold sensitivity when fillings are first placed. This usually takes a few weeks to completely return to normal. If sensitivity persists longer, this is not normal and further evaluation of the tooth health is needed.
Longevity of a filling is 5-12 years depending on the type of filling. Therefore routine dental check-ups are important to check for new decay and to make sure existing restorations are in good condition.
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