Nothing will wake you up more quickly than the zinging sensation of tooth sensitivity! When you try to enjoy your morning coffee, you're hit with a stinging tooth pain that could indicate decay in your tooth. It probably dissipates quickly, but don't be fooled; it's time to call your dentist before your fleeting tooth sensitivity becomes a more significant and painful problem.
Tooth sensitivity could indicate decay. If your tooth currently has a filling, it might be time to replace it. Here are four additional signs you may need to replace a tooth filling.
Tooth Discoloration
Is your tooth looking darker or even grey? Tooth discoloration could mean bacteria have entered your tooth, reactivating decay and causing further damage. This can happen when old fillings, especially metal amalgam fillings, wear over time. They react to the constant temperature changes in your mouth and cause the restoration to pull away from the tooth. This allows bacteria to reenter the tooth, which could result in further damage and breakdown.
Tenderness When Biting or Chewing
If you feel tenderness, pain, or discomfort when biting or chewing, you may have decay in your tooth. This can also indicate a tooth infection, which can become quite painful without treatment. It's a good idea to contact your Coeur d'Alene dentist right away before you have an aching tooth emergency.
A Broken Restoration
Is your filling chipping or showing other signs of wear? It's a good idea to have your dentist check the health of your current restoration before your tooth breaks down or becomes infected. Being proactive about your current restorations can help you avoid emergencies.
Food Trap
Is food getting stuck around your old filling, making it harder to brush and floss? If your old filling has become a food trap, it may be time to consider replacing it.
Contact North Idaho Dental Group
If you have questions or concerns about dental fillings in Ponderay or Coeur d'Alene, contact your team at North Idaho Dental Group at (208) 667-8282 for more information.