General Dentistry

Yes, you still need a tooth filling even if your tooth doesn't hurt. The cavity may not hurt now, but the thing about tooth decay is that it doesn't go away on its own. You can go for a while without feeling any pain, but while you’re waiting, the decay is spreading and damaging more of your tooth.

Putting off needed dental treatment is never a good idea, and the time to fill a cavity is when you know you have one. A small cavity is typically an easy fix, and our dentist can treat it and have you in and out of the dental chair relatively quickly.

If you postpone treatment, you risk the situation worsening, and if the decay advances and reaches the tooth’s nerve, you will likely experience severe pain. Also, the longer you postpone treatment, the more complex and expensive the solution becomes. For example, instead of a filling, our dentist may need to place a dental crown or even perform a root canal to save the tooth.

The reality is that even if you can ride out the pain for a few days, the problem will still worsen. If you wait too long, we may no longer have the option of saving the tooth, and, worst-case scenario, we may need to remove it.

Prompt Dental Treatment Can Save Your Tooth

No matter what dental problem you have, prompt treatment is always better than waiting—better for your oral health, your overall health, and your budget. Ideally, you would visit us every six months for dental exams and teeth cleanings. Then our dentist could discover issues like cavities and treat them in their earliest stages, helping you avoid the need for complex treatment.

We offer emergency dentistry at our Mooresville dental office, so please call us if you’re experiencing a toothache. Our dental team will schedule you to see our dentist promptly and relieve your pain.

We are pleased to treat friends and neighbors in Lake Norman, Mooresville, Cornelius, Davidson, and all surrounding communities.

What dental x-rays and fluoride treatments have in common is that both play a part in helping you maintain healthy teeth and gums. They are part of preventive dentistry, and the goal is to help you avoid the need for complex or costly dental care by offering them.

Why We Recommend Dental X-Rays

Our dentist is very thorough when providing a comprehensive dental exam, and he learns a lot during the process. The one thing a visual exam can’t do is show us the inside of your teeth and under your gums. 

Both are areas where cavities and gum disease most commonly develop. By taking an x-ray, we can find hidden cavities in their earliest stages and treat them promptly before it threatens your oral health.

Fluoride Strengthens Teeth

Fluoride is a naturally occurring substance found in rocks and releases into the soil, air, and water. All water sources contain some level of fluoride, including ocean water. We use fluoride in dentistry because it helps make teeth resistant to a process called demineralization that weakens tooth enamel and leads to cavities. 

Fluoride’s important for kids while their teeth are developing, and even adults benefit from it. So while you or your child may already be receiving enough fluoride, our dentist will tell you if they think you can benefit from a supplemental fluoride application.

We’re Always Happy to Answer Your Questions

If you have any concerns about how we use dental x-rays or fluoride treatments at our Mooresville, NC dental office, please call Harbor Point Family Dentistry.