{"id":731,"date":"2026-01-26T16:12:31","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T16:12:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bickfordandshirley.com\/blog\/?p=731"},"modified":"2026-02-12T00:40:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T00:40:10","slug":"how-can-i-tell-if-i-need-a-filling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bickfordandshirley.com\/blog\/how-can-i-tell-if-i-need-a-filling\/","title":{"rendered":"How Can I Tell if I Need a Filling?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Sometimes, as they say, when you know, you know. You can tell that your car\u2019s flat tire needs air, and you can even tell when the temperature drops you should probably put on a jacket. But what about when you need a dental filling<\/a>? Tooth problems like decay or cavities aren\u2019t always obvious. Here\u2019s a closer look at some indicators that it\u2019s time to see a dentist to have your tooth examined, and a few tips for avoiding cavities altogether!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is a Dental Filling?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You may have heard of dental fillings before, but you may not know exactly what they are. Essentially, they are tooth restorations that replace a damaged portion that has either been lost due to injury or removed by your dentist to protect the healthy portion. In years past, many dentists relied on amalgam metal fillings to safeguard the teeth, however they left much to be desired. While effective at protecting the teeth, they were certainly not discreet. In fact, many patients were embarrassed to open their mouths to smile or speak and reveal dark spots in their arches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that today\u2019s dental fillings are much more natural looking and safer than those older amalgam metal varieties. Made of durable, tooth-colored composite resin, they last about as long as their predecessors, but blend in seamlessly with your smile and do not pose any of the risks of having numerous metal fillings, which in recent years have been found to raise blood mercury levels in people who had more than eight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do I Know if I Need a Filling?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many reasons why you might need a filling. Whether it\u2019s due to an infected tooth, decay, cavities, or even a chip, your dentist is ultimately the best person to determine whether a filling is the best solution to your problem. However, if you are experiencing any of the following, it is likely that you may are a good candidate for this treatment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n