If you have chipped or damaged teeth, dental fillings will protect your tooth from further decay or infection while also restoring the shape of your tooth. Your filling options include composite resin (tooth-colored fillings) or porcelain inlays or onlays that are bonded to the tooth.

Do I Have a Cavity?

If you are experiencing tooth pain or discomfort, you may have a cavity. However, most cavities do not cause symptoms if discovered early. Cavities (which are caused by the disease “caries”) are small holes in the teeth caused by tooth decay as a result of bacteria, a sugary or acidic diet or poor oral hygiene. Cavities will lead to tooth infection or tooth loss, so it’s important to seek treatment right away. 

Signs of a cavity include:

• A toothache
• Sensitivity to heat or cold
• Pain or discomfort after drinking something sweet
• Small holes or pits in the teeth (if in a visible area)

Sometimes there are no symptoms of a cavity, which is why it is important to see a dentist for regular checkups. During your visit, Dr. Foote will examine your teeth for cavities.

Fillings: What to Expect

During your visit, the dentist will examine your teeth to evaluate the severity of the tooth decay or loss. If a filling is the best treatment option, Dr. Foote will give a local anesthesia to numb the area around your tooth. Then he will remove the decay and shape the tooth to prepare to add the filling.

Depending on the severity of the decay, Dr. Foote may recommend covering the tooth with a crown to protect your tooth from further damage.

Schedule an Appointment 

If you have a cavity or are suffering from severe tooth pain, do not delay! If you wait too long, your tooth may become infected. Call our office at (573) 449-2311 or fill out our contact form to make an appointment. For new patients, you can download our forms online to save time in the waiting room.