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What Does a Cavity Feel Like?

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Woman with a toothache touching the side of her face against a blue background.

A cavity can feel like a dull ache, a sharp twinge, or heightened sensitivity when you eat or drink—especially when consuming hot, cold, or sweet items. Sometimes, however, a cavity doesn’t feel like anything at all until it becomes a bigger issue!

At Smyl, we believe in catching decay early and treating it with precision, comfort, and care tailored to you.

Understanding What a Cavity Is

Cavities are one of the most common oral health issues, affecting both children and adults. They form when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—builds up on your teeth and begins to erode the enamel. Left untreated, cavities can progress deeper into the tooth structure, potentially leading to infection, pain, and even tooth loss.

However, modern dentistry has come a long way. At our clinic, we don’t just treat cavities—we approach them with effective diagnostics and aesthetic materials designed to restore the form and function of your smile.

Common Signs of a Cavity

Cavities don’t always announce themselves loudly. Early on, you might not notice any pain at all. Over time, however, you may experience:

  • Tooth sensitivity to heat, cold, or sweets
  • Pain when biting down or chewing
  • A persistent toothache or random discomfort
  • Visible holes or pits in the tooth
  • Discolouration—white, brown, or black spots
  • Bad breath or a lingering unpleasant taste

If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s time to schedule a dental exam. Our goal is to identify problems before they escalate, offering you minimally invasive treatment options that support long-term oral health.

What Makes Smyl’s Approach Different?

At Smyl, we bring together high-strength composite fillings, state-of-the-art ceramic restorations, and modern root canal techniques to restore your smile beautifully and efficiently.

Our treatment plans are custom-tailored, balancing aesthetics, longevity, and minimal intervention. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all dentistry. We believe in care that fits you.

What to Expect from a Dental Filling

A dental filling is the most common treatment for cavities—and one of the most seamless procedures we offer. Our process is designed for comfort and efficiency, and is usually completed in just one visit.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Thorough Diagnosis

We begin with a detailed visual exam and x-rays, using modern imaging to precisely assess the extent of decay.

2. Pain-Free Comfort

We use a local anesthetic to numb the area, so you can stay relaxed and pain-free throughout the procedure.

3. Tooth Preparation

We carefully clean the affected area and remove any decay,preserving as much of the tooth’s healthy structure as possible.

4. Composite Filling Placement

We use natural-looking resin fillings that are shaped and sculpted to match your tooth perfectly—then hardened with a special curing light.

5. Polish & Adjustment

Once the filling is bonded, we make final adjustments to ensure a comfortable bite and a smooth, polished surface.

Our composite fillings not only restore strength but blend seamlessly with your natural enamel—so you can smile with confidence.

Woman receiving a dental exam to support oral health and help prevent cavities and fillings.

Other Cavity Treatments We Offer

While fillings are often the go-to, we offer a full range of treatments depending on the extent of the decay:

  • Dental Crowns: If the cavity is large or the tooth is structurally compromised, a crown may be placed to protect it long term. We offer beautifully crafted porcelain same-day crowns that fit securely and look natural.
  • Root Canal Therapy: When decay reaches the tooth pulp, a root canal is often the best way to save the tooth. At our clinic, root canals are done gently and effectively, often with just local anesthesia and minimal downtime.
  • Tooth Extractions & Tooth Replacement: If a tooth is beyond repair, we’ll walk you through your options—including implants, bridges, or dentures—with a plan that prioritizes both comfort and aesthetics.

Preventing Cavities at Smyl

While we’re always ready to treat cavities, we’d rather help you prevent them. Preventive care is part of the foundation of what we do at Smyl. 

Here’s what we recommend:

  • Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss every day
  • Choose water over sugary drinks
  • Maintain regular hygiene appointments and checkups
  • Ask us about fluoride treatments and dental sealants for added protection
  • Start kids early—teach healthy habits young, and we’ll support them along the way

Your mouth is part of your whole-body health, and we believe in caring for both.

When to Book a Visit

Cavities can sneak up on you, and they don’t always start with pain. That’s why it’s important not to wait for symptoms. If you’re noticing anything unusual—sensitivity, pain, staining, or even just a gut feeling—schedule a checkup.

Our approach is conservative but comprehensive: we treat what’s necessary, and we do it with your comfort and your smile in mind.

Elevate Your Dental Experience at Smyl Dentistry

At Smyl Dentistry in Toronto, we combine leading-edge technology with a calm, patient-focused environment. Whether you need a simple filling or full restorative work, we’re here to help you smile with ease.

Let us help you protect your teeth—and restore them beautifully when needed. Request an appointment today and experience dentistry that puts your smile first.

Contact Information

Address

  • 608 Bloor Street W
  • TORONTO, ON M6G 1K4

Hours

Monday:
9:00 AM 3:00 PM
Tuesday:
10:00 AM 7:00 PM
Wednesday:
10:00 AM 4:00 PM
Thursday:
9:00 AM 5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM 5:00 PM
Saturday:
Closed
Sunday:
Closed

Parking

Green P parking on Palmerston and Euclid, residential street parking, meter parking on Bloor. Residential street parking from 10a-12a

Subway

One block over from TTC subway station (Bathurst)

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