How healthy are your teeth and gums? Sure, you brush and floss regularly, but you’ve had this nagging toothache, which seems like it isn’t going away. On top of this, your teeth have been really sensitive lately, especially when you drink hot tea or eat ice cream. These are two of many telltale signs of decay, which means you may need a tooth filling. The cosmetic dentists at Waterford Dental Health in Waterford, CT, deal with this problem every day and want patients to know the signs, so they can seek treatment as soon as possible.

Not all decay or tooth problems cause pain, so it’s important to have teeth cleanings on a regular basis. The earlier problems are detected, the easier they are to treat. Here are three signs you may need a tooth filling:

• Your Teeth Hurt: Some people are more prone to sensitivity than others. However, extreme sensitivity to hot or cold food, sweets, and liquids is an indication of a bigger problem. Do you have pain when you bite or chew? Are you dealing with a constant toothache or throbbing pain? It’s time to go see your cosmetic dentist. 
• Holes, Roughness Or Chips: Examine your teeth very carefully. If you notice any holes, dark spots or a particular tooth seems rougher than the others, it could be decay.
• Chipped Teeth Or Broken Fillings: If you have chipped your tooth or an existing filling comes loose, it’s important to see a cosmetic dentist right away to repair your broken teeth and replace tooth fillings.

Sometimes, a tooth can look perfectly healthy but is still badly decayed underneath the surface. Only a professional cosmetic dentist can tell if you need a tooth filling. Don’t ignore the nagging tooth pain. Contact the professionals at Waterford Dental Health today to set up an appointment for an exam and teeth cleaning.

If you do need a tooth filling or a tooth crown, the dental team provides sedation dentistry to keep you comfortable during any procedure. Call Waterford Dental Health at (860) 447-2235 to set up an appointment, or visit the website for a full list of services.