{"id":308,"date":"2026-01-07T10:35:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T10:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smileyfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=308"},"modified":"2026-01-16T22:35:46","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T22:35:46","slug":"how-to-tell-if-you-need-a-dental-filling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smileyfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/how-to-tell-if-you-need-a-dental-filling\/","title":{"rendered":"(Tooth) Decay Detection: How to Tell If You Need a Dental Filling"},"content":{"rendered":"
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At this point, maybe you don’t need to be “sold” on dental fillings. You already know (and trust) that they help at-risk teeth<\/a> effectively. On the contrary, it’s whether you need them that still bothers you. There’s no reason to worry in this case; your Waverly dentist can help you. Just keep reading to see if you need a dental filling, as well as which kind (if any) would suit your smile best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Remind Me: What are Dental Fillings?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For the sake of context, you should first review what dental fillings are. Only then will you understand the signs that you need them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All dental fillings are mixtures of materials that fix damaged teeth. As such, their primary role is to fill the cavities (i.e., holes) left by tooth decay and prevent further harm to your smile. They make previously weak teeth sturdier when placed and protect treatment sites from \u201cbad\u201d bacteria and food debris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today\u2019s fillings come in one of two types: amalgam or composite. If you receive the first kind, they\u2019ll be silver in color and contain mercury mixed with silver, tin, or zinc. Composite fillings, meanwhile, are tooth-colored and use a resin base with powdered quartz and glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Tell If You Need a Filling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Should you need a dental filling, your smile will likely show several notable symptoms. These include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n