When You Need A Filling….
This common dental procedure explained.
One common question we often hear from patients at Abbey Road Dental, is ‘are fillings really necessary?’ People ask us because, no doubt they want to avoid having them done if possible. But the short of it is, if we have recommended you have them, then it will be because we think you need them.
If it is ever possible for us to just observe a tooth, we will observe it and we won’t place a filling unless we really have to. Where teeth can be healthy and left alone, we will support that all the way. However, once a cavity has reached a certain point, which we may check with an x-ray, the damage is permanent and we need to get that cavity cleaned and filled.
We thought it might be useful to give you a little more detail about why fillings are important, especially as they are the most common treatment we do at our NW8 clinic.
How Do You Get A Tooth Cavity?
A cavity in a tooth does not appear overnight, it develops over time. When we brush we do so to remove all the nasty bacteria that causes tooth decay, but due to various things, the bacteria can be missed and a cavity can form.
Sugar and high acid foods really do contribute to the nasty bacteria in the mouth that we don’t want. Plaque will form and then tartar and eventually the tooth enamel starts to wear away which is when a cavity can begin to form in the tooth.
What Happens If I Don’t Get A Filling?
Once you have a cavity, you will be unable to reverse that damage, even with an improved oral hygiene routine. The tooth will continue to break down, you will be more susceptible to infections which could reach right down into the root of the tooth in which case you might need root canal work, or potentially even tooth extraction depending on the extent of the damage. Coming to Abbey Road Dental to learn how to avoid these cavities, or get them filled if you do get them, will save you money and pain long term. Root canal and crowns cost money and it isn’t a procedure anyone wants unless they have to. Having a filling early on is important to avoid more in-depth, potentially costly procedures.
Too Worried To Visit The Dentist?
Perhaps you have been avoiding getting your fillings done because you are concerned about dental visits? Maybe you know you need them but you are scared of what will happen, or you’ve been told you need them but you are avoiding going in because you know it will require certain tools or methods being used? Whatever your reason for avoiding coming to our friendly NW8 clinic, please know that we can definitely help you. There is no need to be embarrassed – our job is to help you, not to judge you.
You should also be aware we have special training in helping people with dental phobias, and we will be able to help you get the dental care you need. The longer the problems continue, the more work you will need doing which means more time in the dentist’s chair and potentially more cost. Please call us on 02076241603 and we will be more than happy to talk this through with you, and book you an appointment to come in and see us.
