Tag Archives: dental fillings

concept for cavities between two teeth

How to Know If You Have a Cavity Between Two Teeth

General Dentistry, ,

Cavities are one of the most common oral health issues. In fact, around ninety percent of adults between the ages of 20 and 54 have had tooth decay in their teeth. Cavities can impact any part of your teeth, including the visible surface or between your teeth. Cavities between your teeth can be a little harder to detect. However, there are several signs that indicate the presence of cavities. Below, you will find out how to know if you have a cavity between two teeth.

How to Know If You Have a Cavity Between Two Teeth

Cavities are often associated with several symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist right away. Early detection and treatment are key if you have cavities. It can reduce the risk of further damage to your oral health. Consider the following symptoms that indicate you may have a cavity between your teeth.

Pain or Discomfort

Pain or discomfort when you are biting down on or chewing food is an indication of trouble. It could mean that you have a cavity between your teeth. The pressure from biting and chewing can aggravate the area around the cavity. The pain can vary in severity. It can also feel dull or sharp. Tooth pain can indicate cavities or worse, so it is important to contact a dentist right away.

Temperature Sensitivity

Temperature sensitivity is a common symptom of cavities. It is an early symptom, so heading to the dentist right away is helpful. You may notice sensitivity when you consume hot or cold foods or beverages. However, you may also notice sensitivity when you eat sugary foods. The pain is often sudden and sharp. Sensitivity can also be a sign of more serious oral health conditions. Because of this, it’s advisable to schedule a dental appointment right away.

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding or irritated gums are a sign of cavities between your teeth. However, issues with your gums also indicate more advanced oral health issues. One of the more common oral health issues is gum disease. This can lead to serious oral health issues, including tooth loss in severe cases. If you notice bleeding, inflammation, or sensitivity around your gums, it is necessary to get it treated right away. Avoid irritating the area, as it can cause discomfort.

Visible Spots or Stains

Cavities in between your teeth are harder to see. However, you may notice stains or dark spots in between your teeth. These are often black or brown in color. You may also notice greyish shadows. If you notice anything in between your teeth that cannot be removed with flossing, it is time to go to the dentist. Cavities between your teeth can cause serious damage to your oral health.

Cavity Diagnosis and Treatment

If you experience any of the symptoms associated with cavities, schedule an appointment with the dentist. They can effectively diagnose the issue to determine if you have cavities or any other oral health issues. Cavities are diagnosed using a combination of diagnostic tools. These include X-rays, a visual exam, or a floss test. If you just have a cavity, it can be easily addressed in the same appointment in many cases.

The most common treatment for cavities includes fillings. More extensive cavities or more serious oral health issues may require different treatment. This includes crowns or a root canal. This is why early intervention is essential. You can easily avoid more aggressive treatment options if you address cavities early on. If you are concerned you may have a cavity, contact the team at Samaritan Dental Arts to schedule an appointment today!

concept of woman in pain can tell if she has a cavity

How to Tell if You Have a Cavity: Common Signs to Look For

General Dentistry, ,

Attending multiple dental appointments throughout the year might feel like a bothersome chore. However, neglecting these visits for an extended period can pave the way for significant oral health issues that you might not be prepared to handle in the future. Ignoring dental problems could lead to the development of cavities, which should not be taken lightly. Below we cover how to tell if you have a cavity.

How to Tell if You Have a Cavity: Common Signs to Look For

Cavities can be treated easily and relatively painlessly with a dental filling if caught early enough. Cavities that are left to grow may further spread decay, making it likely that you will need a root canal or even a tooth extraction. You can contact our dental office at the earliest sign of tooth discomfort, which we will go into more detail about below. Here’s how to tell if you have a cavity: common signs to look for and methods to prevent the spread of decay.

How Cavities Form

Cavities begin forming from the buildup of bacteria that comes from the foods and beverages you consume. Particles from sugar, tobacco, juice, and other substances create bacteria that adhere to the tooth surfaces, eventually turning into plaque. This tough, adhesive substance erodes enamel and leaves plenty of room for infection to set in.

As this infection progresses, it starts attacking parts of the teeth. These affected portions display dark brown and black spots, which grow larger if untreated. This underscores the importance of visiting your dentist regularly, as you might not even be aware of the emerging cavity within your mouth until ti’s too late. Whether you have noticed a dark spot on your teeth or you are starting to feel pain or sensitivity around the area, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your Samaritan Dental Arts specialists right away.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Cavities

To identify cavity symptoms, it’s crucial for you and your dentist to recognize the early warning signs before they escalate into a very painful – and expensive – oral health problem. You might have a cavity if you experience one or more of the following on a regular basis:

  • Random bursts of pain from your tooth or gums
  • Constant pain and aches in the tooth
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold foods
  • Dark spots or stains on the teeth that continue to grow
  • Discomfort when biting down

If you’ve been grappling with significant tooth discomfort, a cavity could very well be the culprit. By reaching out to your dentist ASAP, you are making sure that you are taking care of the issue before it turns into a full-blown tooth infection. By that point, your symptoms will be agonizing and your tooth may have to be completely removed from your mouth.

Less Common Signs and Symptoms of Cavities

Permitting a cavity to grow without intervention might cause it to spread, intensifying the symptoms. Continued negligence could have terrible oral health results, signing you up for a future of pain and discomfort. Stay on top of your health by avoiding these signs:

  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • A throbbing sensation in the gums, jaws, or neck
  • Swollen cheeks
  • Heightened pain when lying down or tilting forward
  • Excessive sensitivity to temperature changes
  • Fever
  • Persistent bad breath (halitosis)

If any of these signs persist, you might be dealing with a tooth infection that is starting to spread to other areas of the mouth. You can invest in emergency dental care for quick intervention as the last hope of saving your tooth. Otherwise, there are many proactive measures you can take to keep your oral health in tip-top shape. For example, brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can keep harmful bits of bacteria at bay.

Treat Your Cavities ASAP

Your oral health is incredibly important, and taking care of your teeth is a lifelong task. You may be the perfect candidate for dental cavities treatment if you have a growing cavity, tooth sensitivity, pain, or localized discomfort of any kind. It is a good idea to reach out to your trusted dental experts as quickly as you can, as acting quickly can save your tooth from extraction. Learn more when you contact our pros today.

concept of kids at dentist with cavities

Is it Normal for Kids to Have Cavities?

Pediatric Dentistry, ,

You always hear about kids going to the dentist to get their cavities filled. If your child has to go once, twice, or even three times for cavities, you may want to ask your dentist, “Is it normal for kids to have cavities?” But this is typically not a cause for concern. Cavities are a common problem in children of all ages. There is always a possibility of tooth decay, regardless of how healthy your child is.

Is it Normal for Kids to Have Cavities?

Your trusted dentist in downtown LA has many preventative and treatment options that will help your child maintain good oral health. Our friendly team of experts has many treatments and procedures available to suit your every need. Tooth decay can occur from many causes, but it’s best to get it treated as soon as possible. Here are some tips for kids to help reduce the number of cavities they develop throughout the course of their childhood.

Encourage Daily Oral Health Routines

As you did as a child, your children should be practicing good hygiene habits such as flossing daily and brushing their teeth every day. Your children can follow your example by flossing and brushing their teeth daily. Encourage your child to brush their teeth daily as soon as they have their first teeth. You can use the time to teach your children healthy habits and help them to get their teeth in.

Reduce Your Child’s Sugar Intake

Any dentist will tell you that sugar intake is the number one way to prevent tooth decay. Although you may be giving your child a nutritious and healthy diet, sugar is still a common ingredient in nearly everything. This is particularly true for juices and other flavored drinks your child may enjoy. Unfortunately, most fruit juices contain some of the highest amounts of sugar on the market.

What causes tooth decay when sugar is consumed? Sugar molecules are left on your teeth after you have eaten sugar. These sugar molecules can combine with bacteria or other substances in your mouth to form plaque. If left untreated, this plaque can form on your teeth and cause decay.

Stop Drinking Out of Straws

Research has shown that children who sleep with a sippy cup in their mouths while they are asleep are more likely to get tooth decay from sugary substances. Make sure you take out any formula bottles your baby is drinking. Reduce the number of times you give your child a straw throughout the day and encourage them to start using sipping lids. Reducing these sugary substances can make a big difference in your child’s dental health!

Preventing Pediatric Tooth Decay

A quick and simple dental sealant procedure can help protect your child’s smile from the dangers and infections of decay. A clear coating will be applied to the top of your child’s teeth by the dentist. This will protect against bacteria getting into the roots or pulp of each tooth. Bad bacteria can easily slip through the many cracks and crevices between molars, teeth, and even between them. Dental sealants make it impossible for bacteria to penetrate.

Dental sealants can last for up to a decade. This is an easy and painless procedure that both you and your child can benefit from if you are worried about your child’s dental health or want to make an investment in their future.

Reduce Cavities Today

Teach your child the importance of good oral hygiene. Your child can reduce the likelihood of tooth decay by flossing daily and brushing their teeth regularly. Your child’s oral health will be affected if tooth decay continues to develop without seeking out sufficient cavities treatment in Downtown LA. If decay is not treated, it can lead to infection and other serious health problems. Learn about stopping this problem before it gets worse when you get in touch with our friendly team in LA today!

Concept image of color-matched dental fillings

Can I Have Color-Matched Dental Fillings?

General Dentistry, ,

Composite dental fillings are tooth-colored fillings that match the color of your natural teeth. Composites can blend seamlessly with virtually any tooth color by custom crafting the color. Composites are a popular cosmetic option for treating your smile’s cavities. But can you have color-matched dental fillings?

Can I Have Color-Matched Dental Fillings?

A lot of patients who visit their dentist in Downtown Los Angeles ask, “Can I have color-matched dental fillings?” The short answer is yes. Dental professionals can match your tooth color with white fillings made of composite resin. Similar matching can be done for any other dental restoration procedure. Learn more about tooth-colored restorations with our helpful information below!

About Dental Fillings

Dental fillings with tooth-colored teeth are a popular alternative to metal. They have gained popularity among patients and dentists over the past decade. These types of fillings do not use metal and instead use acrylic or ceramic materials to repair damaged teeth. For optimal aesthetic results, the material is color-matched to each patient’s tooth. Because of their cosmetic benefits and other factors, younger patients are more likely than older patients to have tooth-colored fillings. However, these fillings are widely available and can be made with one easy office visit.

Why Patients Like Tooth-Colored Fillings

Composite fillings have become the modern choice for fillings. Composite fillings are custom-made to match the natural color of your tooth, making them almost invisible. They are attached to the tooth by bonding the material to it so that they don’t fall off. Composite fillings are a popular choice for patients who want to replace old gold and silver fillings. There are other benefits:

  • Beautiful in appearance
  • All completed in one visit
  • No leaks over time
  • There is less chance of teeth cracking

Composite resins can be color-matched to natural teeth to make white fillings virtually invisible. Composite tooth-colored fillings bond to the tooth, unlike silver or gold fillings. This helps prevent tooth fractures and protects the tooth from extreme temperature changes. Composite fillings are less likely to fall out than metal ones, making them a preferred choice by patients young and old.

Are Color-Matched Fillings Affordable?

Prices for every procedure vary, but generally white fillings are more expensive than metal ones. We have found that white fillings are more appealing than metal because of their unique ability to bond with the teeth and natural appearance. Fortunately, most dental insurance plans will cover the cost of dental fillings since they are a preventative treatment that gets rid of cavities in your mouth.

Replacing Your Metal Fillings with New Color-Matched Options

For cosmetic reasons, white fillings can be more beneficial than metal fillings. Many patients don’t want any brightly colored metal parts to be visible when they smile and eat. White fillings will not cause people to spot your fillings, even when you are pointing them out. Sometimes, even trained dentists can’t see composite fillings!

Metal fillings can also require more tooth removal and replacement. This can lead to issues down the road, as the metal expands or retracts at different temperatures. Some patients still want to have their mercury fillings removed as they can cause different health symptoms including mercury poisoning and chronic infection. Tooth-colored fillings don’t just look better; they are better for your dental health, too!

Get Natural-Looking Fillings with Your Dentist Today!

Samaritan Dental Arts offers a variety of services and treatments that will help you achieve your best smile. You can get professional dental treatment for your dental health, including dental fillings and cosmetic bonding. Contact our experts today to schedule a consultation for your oral health concerns, and see how you can benefit from the best dental fillings in Downtown Los Angeles that support a long life of good dental health.

Dental fillings vs dental bondings 3d concept.

Dental Fillings vs Dental Bonding

General Dentistry, ,

Cosmetic and restorative dentistry offers endless opportunities to improve the health and look of your teeth. If you are dealing with a crack, chip, breakage, or even a cavity, you should reach out to Samaritan Dental in DTLA for a filling or bonding procedure. But what exactly are the differences between dental fillings vs. dental bonding?

Dental Fillings vs Dental Bonding

One procedure is effective against breaks, while the other can help you if you have developed a cavity. Keep reading to find the important details on both of these procedures and find the differences so you know how to best take care of your dental health.

What are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are used to fill holes that are caused in your teeth from cavities. Sugar and bacteria can cause decay in the mouth, damaging the teeth over time. The longer you wait to visit the dentist for a cavity, the more the infection can spread. If the signs of decay are small enough, your dentist can carve out the infected part of the tooth and fill it with a composite resin that resembles the look of your natural tooth.

How Dental Fillings Work

Your dentist must first prepare your tooth by giving it a full examination. He ensures the healthy parts of your tooth are strong enough to support a filling procedure. Once the tooth is ready and the material is picked out, your dentist will drill a small hole in the affected area to get rid of the decay. This new hole will be filled with the material. This material prevents further decay from spreading.

What is Dental Bonding?

There are quite a few differences between dental fillings and dental bonding. In fact, they are treatments used for two completely different reasons. Fillings are used to stem the tide of cavities and decay. But dental bonding can be applied when you have a chipped or cracked tooth. While the composite material used to fill in these cracks and breaks can be the same as the filling used for a cavity, they are still different procedures.

How Dental Bonding Works

During the dental bonding process, your dentist will use a small amount of the composite material to fill in the spots of your tooth broken by chips or cracks. Then, a non-contact laser light will be held up to the composite material to dry it in place. You’ll be able to enjoy new cosmetic fixes that restore your teeth back to new while preventing further damage from breaks and cracks.

Fillings and Bondings – What to Expect

Dental fillings and dental bonding use the same materials, but they are applied to your teeth in different ways. Dental bonding is usually seen as a cosmetic dentistry treatment. Also, dental fillings are used to prevent the spread of decay. Both procedures have health and aesthetic benefits that you can take advantage of when you schedule an appointment with your local dental experts.

Your teeth may feel a little sensitive after the procedure, although you should not feel any pain. Make sure to eat soft foods that are not hot or cold as your teeth adjust to these new changes.

Find the Best Dental Treatment for Your Teeth ASAP

At Samaritan Dental Arts, we offer a wide range of services and treatments to help you bring out your very best smile. From dental fillings to cosmetic dental bonding, you can invest in professional dental treatments for the betterment of your health. Get in touch with our experts today. You can schedule a one-on-one consultation so you can address your oral health needs as quickly as possible. Call us today!

Man smiling after his filling.

Tips for After Your Filling

General Dentistry, , , ,

Dental fillings are common dental procedures that can help treat your cavities and get rid of infection. While fillings happen all the time, you may not know exactly what to do after you get one of your own. If you are planning an upcoming trip to your Downtown LA dental office to get some cavities filled, don’t fret – our experts will tell you what to do with these tips for after your filling.

Tips for After Your Filling

Here are some easy-to-learn tips for after your filling that will help you enjoy a quick and smooth recovery process.

The Filling Procedure: What to Expect?

Does it hurt to get fillings? Should you expect pain after a procedure? Dealing with cavities is no fun, but it is easy and fast to get them filled. Your dentist will likely numb the area around the affected tooth before drilling a hole in the cavity. Your local experts will clear out the source of infection and fill the cavity with a dental composite material to keep it protected from further decay.

Will There Be Pain?

Having your cavities filled is usually not a painful process while it is happening, because your dentist will provide you with numbing medicine to keep you comfortable. After the filling procedure and the numbness wears off, you may feel a little bit of pain. It is normal to feel pain and sensitivity in the area where you had your cavities filled. Usually, this pain goes away after a day. If the pain persists for several days, it is important to contact your local dental experts right away.

Can I Still Eat?

Patients often want to know whether they should avoid eating after a filling procedure. It is recommended that you avoid chewing on the location of your filling for at least one day before resuming normal activities. Try chewing on the other side of your mouth, or eat only liquids so you don’t have to chew. Your dentist will likely give you better care instructions detailing exactly how you should care for your mouth after the filling is complete.

What if I Can Feel the Filling?

Dentists do the best job that they can to perfectly measure the filling material. Sometimes, a little might be sticking out after the treatment is complete. You will feel this when you bite down, chew, or speak. It may prevent you from being able to properly close your mouth and enjoy your smile. If this problem persists, you can return to the dentist’s office to have part of the filling shaved off. The goal is to create a filling that blends in with the rest of your tooth, both in color and in shape.

If Pain Persists

If you feel pain after the filling procedure, your dentist may prescribe an over-the-counter solution to help the pain subside. You will want to treat the affected area gently until it is fully healed. Avoid eating, brushing, and flossing near that tooth until the pain goes away. Painkillers shouldn’t be needed after a simple filling procedure, but it is important to communicate with your dental expert if you feel that you are experiencing abnormal pain.

Act Fast and Get the Best Dental Fillings Today

Cavities are common occurrences, and you can get a small and simple filling to immediately stop the spread of infection. The longer you wait to get a cavity filled, the more you are susceptible to illness and pain. Get ahold of your local experts today and find out about getting the best dental fillings in DTLA. The procedure is fast, easy, and typically pain-free. We are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your dental care plan. Call us today!

Woman holding hand against jaw, pained expression

Leaving a Cavity Untreated: Bad Idea

General Dentistry, , ,

Everybody knows that cavities are bad news. But something so common can’t truly be that bad, right? It is so easy to get fillings nowadays, but for a lot of people that takes away an understanding of just how dangerous cavities can be. Essentially, leaving a cavity untreated: Bad idea!

The longer you leave a cavity untreated, the more susceptible you are to decay, rot, and infection. Here is what your local DTLA dentist wants you to know about the dangers of leaving tooth cavities unattended.

Leaving a Cavity Untreated: Gateway for Infection

Cavities come from bacteria and plaque that builds upon the teeth after eating certain foods. If you don’t brush your teeth every day, that plaque will continue to build and can eventually get into the inner layers of your tooth. This creates a pocket of decay, also known as a cavity.

If this decay spreads to your bloodstream or the roots of your tooth, you may experience symptoms of pain and swelling. This is a sign that your cavity has caused an infection, which must be treated right away before it spreads further.

Broken Teeth Abound

If a cavity does not cause an infection, it can still spread throughout your tooth and weaken it from the inside out. As your tooth rots and decays, it will fall apart and crack easily. This cavity can spread to your other teeth, making them brittle as well. In order to save your natural tooth, you must get in touch with your trusted dentist right away. In some cases, treating a cavity can even mean the difference between life and death.

Continuing Complications

Untreated tooth cavities can cause an increasing number of health issues the longer it goes without care. You can suffer from the following complications of tooth cavities if you don’t visit your dental expert in a timely manner:

  • Sharp pain
  • Radiating pain
  • Infection around the tooth and gums
  • Swelling and redness
  • Tenderness in the mouth and cheeks
  • Trouble chewing or smiling
  • Increased risk of fracturing and breaking teeth
  • Tooth abscess

You should get in touch with your dentist at the first sign of the above symptoms. You should not be living with any kind of dental pain, and the discomfort you are experiencing as a result of this cavity is not normal. So, you need to seek your dental professional to learn what treatment and prevention measures need to be taken.

Deathly Consequences

An untreated cavity can have drastic results that can be so severe that they may even cause death. Cavities are a gateway to infection, which can spread fast the longer it goes untreated. As soon as an infection makes its way into your bloodstream, it can travel throughout the rest of your body, which has fatal consequences.

Without treating a cavity, you risk serious illness and death. Fortunately, modern cavity treatment is common and very accessible. Reach out to your dentist to learn more about treating your cavity and taking the pain away.

Get the Best Treatment for Your Cavity Today!

Cavities may be common, but that does not mean that they are nothing to worry about. A buildup of bad bacteria can cause pockets of your teeth to suffer from decay. If they are caught early enough, your dentist can add a filling that will save the integrity of your tooth and protect against further cavities. More severe cavities may need to be treated with a root canal or tooth extraction procedure.

Learn more about how you can treat your mouth to the best in dental healthcare at Samaritan Dental Arts. Call us today to schedule a consultation for cavity treatment at the first sign of tooth pain or discomfort. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

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Busting Myths About Cavities

Preventive Dentistry, , , , , , ,

Even in our adult lives, cavities still remain a mystery to some of us. Cavities happen over time and are not often noticeable, so being aware of how they can form and how to take care of them is essential to our dental health. The more you understand your mouth, the more precaution you can take in your everyday life. Below are some common myths about cavities and the truths that lie behind them.

For more information on preventing cavities and receiving dental crowns, contact Samaritan Dental today!

Myth: Sugar is the cause of all cavities.

Truth: While sugar is a big culprit of cavities, it isn’t the cause of all cavities. Starches, for example, are a huge bacteria stimulator that erodes away at the enamel. It’s important to know the workings behind a cavity: they’re caused by bacteria that have a high acidic pH. When the mouth is particularly acidic, which may be caused by sugary food, candy, soda, starches like bread or pasta, etc, the bacteria or biofilm that covers our teeth, turns acidic and starts to destroy the enamel — otherwise known as tooth decay.

Myth: I’ll know when I have a cavity because I’ll feel it.

Truth: When thinking of myths about cavities, it can be easy to go by feel. Most of the time, we have no idea we have cavities at all. Cavities don’t actually hurt unless the decay becomes really bad. However, it’s important to not let it get to this point, as by now it may have caused some serious issues that will cost more or take longer to repair. It’s important to stay up-to-date with regular check-ups to avoid this from happening.

Myth: Brushing & Flossing will fight the decay away.

Truth: While brushing and flossing help keep teeth clean and ward off a good amount of bad bacteria, it doesn’t actually remove all the plaque. Plaque that hangs around eventually calcifies and become tartar, which can only be removed with special dental tools. This is why it’s important to visit the dentist at least twice a year for regular dental cleaning.

Myth: Fluoride will stop the decay.

Truth: Using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash does help manage tooth decay, but it won’t completely keep plaque at bay or cure cavities that are already there. Overall, fluoride works to reduce the amount of acid produced by bacteria and therefore strengthens enamel because it’s being exposed to less of this acid. However, some people are staying clear of fluoride as it can cause a slew of other health issues, including: “skeletal fluorosis, arthritis, compromised kidney and thyroid health, and female puberty acceleration.” (link) While some fluoride use is natural and healthy for teeth, at the end of the day, use your best judgment and consult with a professional dentist on whether or not fluoride products are right for you.

Myth: Regular snacking prevents cavities.

Truth: One myth that has gained popularity is that snacking frequently will prevent cavities. The thought behind this is that snacking will produce saliva, and saliva, which is full of minerals that aid in protecting enamel, will help keep teeth healthy and cavity-free. Unfortunately, this myth has one problem: it forgets the part about the food you’re eating. Adding sugars and starches to your mouth regularly actually increases the production of acid and is therefore detrimental to teeth enamel. Your teeth need time to recover between eating, so, if you must snack, try to do it in moderation with plenty of time in between.

Myth: The mercury in fillings is dangerous.

Truth: There’s a lot of talk about the mercury used in fillings — is it safe? Will I be paying for this later on in life? The dangerous mercury we’re thinking of is not the same as the one used in our teeth. Our tooth fillings contain a small amount of mercury, but also other materials like zinc, copper, etc. This substance is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is absolutely safe for anyone over 6 years old.

Cavity Fillings in Downtown Los Angeles

At the end of the day, if you have any cavity concerns, it’s best to get your answers straight from the source: a professional dentist. Give Samaritan Dental a call to have other myths about cavities, put to bed.