Your teeth are incredibly strong, but they aren’t invincible. Often, a tooth will give you subtle (or not-so-subtle) warning signs that it is struggling. Catching these signs early means you can fix the problem with a simple [Internal Link: composite filling] rather than needing a [Internal Link: root canal] or an extraction.
Here are five signs it’s time to visit Novo Dental Clinic for a restorative checkup:
1. Sharp Pain When Chewing
If you experience a sharp, jabbing pain when you bite down on certain foods, you likely have a “cracked tooth syndrome” or a deep cavity. This pain occurs because the pressure is pushing against the sensitive inner nerve of the tooth.
2. Lingering Temperature Sensitivity
It’s normal for a healthy tooth to feel a quick “zing” from ice cream or hot tea. However, if that sensitivity lingers for 30 seconds or longer after you’ve finished the drink, it’s a sign that the protective enamel is worn or the nerve is inflamed.
3. Visible Dark Spots or Holes
If you look in the mirror and see dark brown, black, or gray spots on your teeth, you are looking at visible decay. If you can feel a “hole” or a pit with your tongue, the cavity has already progressed through the enamel and needs an immediate restoration.
4. Rough Edges or Chipped Enamel
Do your teeth feel “sharp” to your tongue? Enamel that is chipping away is often a sign of a structural weakness. These small chips are magnets for bacteria and can quickly grow into larger fractures if not smoothed or bonded.
5. A Loose or Missing Old Filling
Dental work doesn’t always last a lifetime. If an old silver filling feels loose, or if you feel a gap where a filling used to be, the inner part of your tooth is now exposed to bacteria. This requires a fresh tooth-colored filling to seal the tooth back up.
Learn more about our Restorative Dentistry Services and Book a Consultation with our Novo Care Team.