Do You Need a Filling? How to Spot Tooth Decay Early
May 20, 2025 9:00 amTooth decay doesn’t always announce itself with pain. Sometimes, it starts quietly—with a little sensitivity or a spot you barely notice. But cavities tend to grow slowly and steadily. The earlier you catch them, the easier they are to treat.
At Granbury Park Dental in Granbury, TX, Dr. Paul Froude helps patients stay ahead of decay by recognizing small problems before they become big ones.
Tooth Decay: A Slow But Steady Process
Cavities form when bacteria feed on sugars in your mouth and produce acid. That acid wears away enamel—the outer shell of your tooth. As the enamel weakens, tiny holes begin to form. Left untreated, they deepen into the inner layers of the tooth, eventually reaching the nerve.
At that point, you’re not just dealing with a cavity—you’re likely looking at more complex treatment.
Subtle Signs You Might Need a Filling
While toothaches can be a giveaway, many signs of decay are much less obvious. Things to watch for include:
Sensitivity to sweets or temperature changes
A dark spot or shadow on the tooth
A change in how a tooth feels when you chew
Roughness or a pit you can feel with your tongue
Recurring food traps in the same area
Even mild symptoms can point to early decay—and catching it early often means a smaller, more manageable filling.
Prevention Still Makes the Biggest Difference
Professional cleanings, regular checkups, and digital X-rays are your best tools for catching cavities early. In-office fluoride treatments can also strengthen enamel and help reverse early demineralization before a true cavity forms.
Dental Fillings in Granbury at Granbury Park Dental
At Granbury Park Dental, Dr. Paul Froude offers conservative, effective treatment using natural-looking fillings that blend with your teeth. If you’ve noticed a change in how your tooth looks or feels—or it’s just time for a checkup—schedule a visit today. A small fix now can help you avoid a bigger problem later.
Categorised in: Dental Fillings
