When is it time to replace a filling?

If you've ever gone to the dentist and were told you needed to get a tooth filling, you're certainly not alone. Millions of people receive fillings each year in order to replace a section of a tooth that eventually decayed. However, even with modern dental advancements, all fillings need to be replaced at some point. The Journal of the American Dental Association suggests that unless fillings are replaced in a timely manner, gaps can be created between the filling and the tooth, allowing bacteria to enter the tooth.

Left untreated, that bacteria can result in the need of a root canal, or worse, removal of the entire tooth. To avoid these unpleasant consequences, it's a good idea to visit your dentist regularly so he or she can test the strength of your current fillings. The American Dental Association makes it clear that early detection is vital because it reduces your chance of needing more intrusive and expensive procedures. Your dentist can tell you at your appointment if there has been excessive wear or cracks in a filling. In that case, you will need to get it replaced as soon as possible.

Talk to your dentist about what's right for you and how long it will be before you should expect to replace one or more of your fillings. Fortunately, modern technology has increased the quality and appearance of fillings, so if you do need to get a replacement, it will likely last longer and serve you better than your previous ones. And with your True Dental Discounts - dental plan you will be able to get the treatments you need for a price you can afford.

Recognizing and treating toothaches

In its most basic form, a toothache is described as having pain in or around a tooth. If you've ever experienced this type of pain, you know it can grow from a mere annoyance to being a full-fledged medical problem. Usually, toothaches are caused by tooth decay and cavities, but they can also result from an infection. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, tooth decay is caused by a combination of poor dental hygiene and genetics.

However, a toothache can also be a sign of an earache, abscessed tooth, jaw or mouth injury, or even a heart attack. To treat the pain, it is recommended that you contact your dentist immediately to schedule an appointment. The benefit for you, as a True Care customer, is that you can be assured that you will get pain relief at a significantly reduced cost. To help ease the pain during the time it takes to get in for an appointment, over-the-counter pain medications can also be taken. If the toothache is caused by a decayed tooth, your dentist may suggest such treatments as antibiotics or a root canal.

As a final note, it's especially vital that you seek medical care if your toothache is causing you severe pain, if it lasts longer than one or two days, or if it is accompanied by a fever or earache. Your dentist will be able to treat the symptoms and can even take X-rays if the cause is not easily determined. Be prepared to answer questions about the frequency and strength of the pain, any associating symptoms, and factors that worsen the pain (for instance: drinking, consuming cold liquids, or chewing).

If you have any doubts, the best course of action is always to seek the advice of a professional. This will save you from experiencing ongoing pain around your teeth and restore you to full health.