Sometimes it may not be 100% clear whether you have a cavity or not. The early signs are easy to brush off.
At White Oak Dental, we prefer to catch cavities in their early stages before they've had a chance to grow. Smaller cavities are an easier fix and require less filling material, but if you've never had one before, it can be difficult to know what to look out for.
Signs of a New Cavity
Here are some of the signs that you may have a new cavity forming.
A short, sharp sensation when biting into candy or sipping drinks
A rough spot on your tooth that can feel sharp or uneven
A discolored area around the forming cavity, usually dark brown
An uncomfortable feeling when chewing on one side when you bite down
It's worth noting that none of these symptoms by itself means you have a new cavity forming. It's also worth noting that some early cavities don't cause any symptoms, and you can only diagnose them with full digital X-rays and oral exams.
If you don't treat a cavity quickly, it can deepen and widen, leading to further damage and nerve issues.
Fortunately, if you catch a cavity early, all it needs is a small filling. That's less time in the dentist's chair for you and potentially fewer complications in the future.
What Happens During Your First Filling Appointment
During your first filling appointment, Dr. Brooks or Dr. Julia will confirm whether you have a cavity. Next, we numb the area using local anesthetic before removing any decayed tissue or material. This keeps you as comfortable as possible during the process. Once we clean the damaged part of the tooth away, we place the filling. The filling is shaped for your particular smile and bite, so it looks like a regular part of the rest of your teeth.
What Happens After Your Filling
Immediately after your filling, the local anesthetic will still be wearing off. Because of this, your lips may feel numb for several hours. If that happens, you may want to chew on the other side of your mouth for a while.
For the following few weeks, you can experience some mild sensitivity. Nearby teeth sometimes feel sore, and you may also want to chew on the other side for a while if biting down on the filling side hurts.
Book Your Checkup This Fall
If you feel nervous about getting your filling, tell Dr. Julia or Dr. Brooks before or during your appointment. They can talk you through some of the options available that can help.
Other than that, if you need a dentist, Ooltewah, TN is our home, and we'd love to see you. Book an appointment at White Oak Dental by calling 423-238-5744 or use our contact page form.
