Signs You May Have a Cavity
Cavities often start quietly, and many people feel nothing in the early stages. That is one reason regular exams matter so much. As decay grows, the tooth may begin to give you clues. Common signs that a tooth may need a filling include the following.
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- A toothache or pain when you bite down
- A visible dark spot, stain, or small hole in a tooth
- Food that frequently gets stuck in the same spot
- Rough or sharp edges on a tooth that were not there before
- A chipped tooth or a worn, cracked older filling
Why Treating a Cavity Early Makes a Difference
Leaving a cavity untreated allows bacteria to move deeper into the tooth. What begins as a small area of decay can reach the inner layers of the tooth, causing pain, infection, and the need for much more involved treatment. Early care keeps your options simple and your treatment conservative.
Untreated cavities can eventually lead to procedures such as the following.
- Dental crowns to rebuild a heavily damaged tooth
- Root canal therapy to treat infection inside the tooth
- Dental bridges or dental implants to replace a tooth that could not be saved
A simple filling is typically more comfortable, quicker, and less costly than any of these. Prevention first is the philosophy behind everything we do.
Your Filling Appointment from Numbing to Final Polish
Getting a composite filling is a straightforward, comfortable process, and most fillings are completed in a single visit. Knowing what happens at each stage can help you feel relaxed from the moment you sit down. Here is what you can expect.
01
Exam and Digital Images.
We examine the tooth, take images if needed, and confirm the size and location of the cavity. We explain what we found and what we recommend.
02
Numbing for Comfort
We apply a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and the surrounding area, so you stay comfortable during treatment.
03
Removing the Decay
We carefully remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth and clean the area, keeping as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
04
Choosing the Right Shade
We select a composite shade that matches the color of your natural tooth so the filling blends in.
05
Bonding and Building the Filling
The tooth is prepared so the composite material can bond to it. We then apply the material in layers and shape it to restore the natural contours of the tooth.
06
Hardening the Material
A special curing light hardens each layer of composite so the filling is strong and secure.
07
Shaping, Polishing, and Bite Check
We refine the shape, polish the surface until it is smooth and natural, and check your bite to make sure the filling feels comfortable when you close your teeth together.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Composite Filling?
Most patients with cavities are good candidates for composite fillings, and they are an excellent choice for both children and adults. We confirm what is best for each tooth after an exam and digital images. You may be a candidate if you fall into any of these situations.
- You have a small to moderate cavity in a front or back tooth
- You have a chipped, cracked, or worn tooth that can be repaired by bonding
- You have an older filling that is leaking, cracked, or has decay underneath
- You want a natural looking alternative to metal for a new or replacement filling
- You are a parent seeking gentle cavity care for a child, which you can learn more about on our kid-friendly dentistry page
- You want to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible
If the damage is more extensive, we will explain your options clearly and recommend the most conservative solution that will last. For minor cosmetic concerns such as small chips or gaps, you may also be interested in dental bonding.
Making Filling Costs Clear Before You Begin
Most dental plans cover fillings as a basic restorative service, though coverage levels and waiting periods vary. Some plans limit coverage for tooth colored fillings on back teeth, so it is helpful to know your benefits before treatment. Our team will review your coverage, explain your estimated costs, and answer your questions before we begin. We accept all dental insurance plans except Medicaid, we are in network with Delta Dental Premier, and we offer financing through Sunbit for care that insurance does not fully cover.
Do Not Wait for a Small Cavity to Become a Big Problem
The sooner a cavity is treated, the simpler the repair. A tooth colored filling can stop decay, relieve sensitivity, and keep your tooth strong and natural looking. Our team at Godfrey Dentistry in Somersworth, NH is ready to examine your teeth, explain your options in plain language, and restore your smile with care. Schedule your visit today.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are tooth colored restorations made from a blend of durable resin and fine glass particles. They are used to repair cavities, chips, and cracks, and they bond directly to the tooth for a secure, natural looking result. Composite is now the most recommended material for fillings because it blends in with your smile and does not contain mercury. Our team will match the shade to your natural tooth so the repair is hard to notice.
Getting a filling should not be painful. We numb the tooth and the surrounding area with a local anesthetic before we begin, so you should feel pressure but not pain. Afterward, it is normal to have mild sensitivity for a few days, especially to hot and cold. If discomfort lasts longer or your bite feels uneven, let us know so we can help.
Most composite fillings are completed in a single visit. The length of the appointment depends on the size and location of the cavity and how many teeth need treatment. Placing the material in layers and hardening each one with a curing light takes a little extra time, but it helps create a strong, long lasting repair. Our team will give you an estimate when you schedule.
Composite fillings often last five to ten years or longer, depending on the size of the filling, the location of the tooth, and your daily habits. Good oral hygiene, regular checkups, and avoiding very hard foods can help a filling last longer. Grinding or clenching can shorten the life of a filling, and a custom night guard can add protection. We check your fillings at your routine visits and let you know if one needs attention.
An untreated cavity continues to grow and can spread deeper into the tooth. This may lead to pain, infection, and the need for a larger restoration such as a crown, a root canal, or even tooth removal. Treating a cavity early is usually simpler, more comfortable, and less costly. If you think you may have a cavity, it is best to schedule an exam as soon as possible.
Not always. If a metal filling is intact and the tooth around it is healthy, replacing it may not be necessary, and removing it can take away healthy tooth structure. We recommend replacement when a filling is cracked, leaking, worn, or has decay under it. Some patients also choose replacement for cosmetic reasons or to avoid mercury, and we are happy to talk through your options during your exam.
You may feel numb for a few hours, so it is best to wait until the numbness wears off before eating. Mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure is common for a few days and usually fades on its own. You can brush and floss normally, and most patients return to their regular routines right away. If your bite feels high or pain does not go away, call our office for a quick adjustment.
