{"id":617,"date":"2023-09-21T22:41:42","date_gmt":"2023-09-21T22:41:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.whiteclaydental.com\/blog\/?p=617"},"modified":"2026-04-16T19:44:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T19:44:13","slug":"need-dental-filling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.whiteclaydental.com\/blog\/2023\/09\/21\/need-dental-filling\/","title":{"rendered":"Dental Fillings: What They Are & When They’re Used"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"Tooth\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Dental fillings<\/a> are incredibly common dental procedures, and most people in America receive at least one throughout their lifetime. Tooth decay begins as a cavity, and cavities do not get better without professional intervention<\/a>. Fillings are used to stop tooth decay in its tracks and restore the tooth to most of its original strength. Here are some signs that you need a filling and what you should know about the different types available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Is Tooth Decay?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Humans naturally love the taste of sugar because it is full of easily digestible chemical energy. Unfortunately, teeth-destroying bacteria love it for exactly the same reason. Eating sugary foods covers your mouth with residue and debris that will provide these bacteria with everything they need to multiply and excrete acid. Acid is the worst thing for your teeth after blunt-force trauma, and the situation isn\u2019t helped by it already being present in any given soda you might enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When these bacteria begin eating their way through your enamel, you have a cavity. If allowed to continue, a cavity will lead to further tooth decay, toothache, tooth loss, and possibly secondary infections like blood poisoning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Regular dental visits can catch any cavities in their early stages before you could have noticed them on your own. However, here are a few signs that you might need a filling:<\/p>\n\n\n\n