Dental fillings are expensive and uncomfortable for most people. Because they involve drilling the decayed tooth, most people want to choose an alternative.
Traditionally, a cavity is cured by filling it with medically safe material to stop the decay. However, medical technology has developed over time, and professionals are finding other ways to treat cavities.
Drilling a tooth can be painful and fearful for everyone trying to avoid it. There are other ways, too, so it doesn’t need a filling.
In this article, we will solve the mystery of whether cavity fillings are necessary.
Is a dental filling always required to treat a cavity?
No, it’s necessary to treat the cavity with the filling only.
Dentists use dental fillings to cure the cavities and place them in the position of decayed cavities to the decaying of the tooth.
There are no ways to remove a cavity without applying to fill; however, you can undo the decay with some methods.
Keep reading to learn some methods to undo the decaying process.
Fluoride treatment
Fluoride can help stop or even reverse the decay if your cavity is in the starting phase, regardless of how severe it is.
The fluoride saves tooth enamel and makes it solid and durable.
Fluoride treatments are done in dentists’ clinics; otherwise, you can apply this treatment by buying fluoride-based toothpaste or mouthwash.
Sealants
Dental sealants are used to keep your teeth safe from forming cavities.
It’s a simple process involving the precise plastic coat application that seals the tooth.
Dental sealants are used for teeth, especially those forming decay, and they can halt the decline or reverse the existing one.
It’s useful for decay only if it’s in the early stages or could be more productive.
Does filling a cavity hurt?
No, as such, it will not hurt. The dentist will first numb the area using a numbing gel before injecting a local anaesthetic called Lidocaine.
You may feel a sting at the start because the local anaesthetic is starting to block the nerve signals to stop the pain.
What is the safest dental filling?
According to the FDA, dentists use different alternatives, such as resin and glass cement fillings, for people.
It doesn’t suggest that people remove or replace the fillings if they are in good condition.
Composite and porcelain fillings are the safest options, but both have advantages for patients with cavities.
Signs of Cavities
Most people have cavities, and they don’t have any idea about them.
But we have made a list of symptoms for you so you can guess if you have a cavity and get it treated.
Let’s have a look at signs of cavities.
- You will have a sensitive tooth.
- You often have mild, sharp pain when you eat or drink something hot, cold, or sweet.
- There can be some holes in your teeth.
- When you eat, there will be a sense of pain.
- The black or white spots will be on the surface of your tooth.
Do I Need This Cavity Filled?
It’s not compulsory to get your cavity filled. If you have a small hole, you can ignore it and don’t need to fill it.
But tooth decay is a slow process, so knowing about the cavity initially is a blessing, as you can cure it.
Regular dentist visits can help you learn about and deal with it on time. If you ignore your dental checkups, you can develop severe cavities and get them filled.
How long should filling last?
Generally, the fillings can last around ten years.
Apart from the material, other things, such as your eating habits, also impact the fillings’ life span.
Conclusion
Almost all cavities need fillings. However, few don’t need them. If your niche is small, you can ignore it.
Regular dental appointments can inform you if you have cavities. If a hole is detected at the start, you can quickly deal with it.
We have also listed a few symptoms that can give you an idea of whether you have a cavity.
For any queries, please feel free to comment below.