• Call Us 417-887-1220
  • Make An Appointment
  • Visit Us
  • 417-887-1220
  • Make An Appointment
  • Dental Services
    • General Dentistry
      • Gum Disease
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Fillings
      • Root Canals
      • Dental FAQs
    • Orthodontics
      • Two-Phase Treatment
      • Early Orthodontic Treatment with Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment by Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Orthodontics for Teens
      • Retainer Instructions
      • Emergency Care
      • Life with Braces
        • Types of Braces
        • Traditional Braces
        • Clear Aligners
        • Clear Ceramic Braces
    • Dental Implants
      • Implant-Supported Dentures
      • X-Guide Imaging Machine for Dental Implants
    • Pediatric Dentistry
      • Dental Care for Your Baby
      • Thumb Sucking
      • Tooth Decay
      • Cavities
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Pediatric Dental FAQs
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • ICON White Spot Treatment
      • Botox
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Invisalign
        • Invisalign at Parkcrest
        • Teen Invisalign
      • Bridges
      • Crowns
      • Veneers
      • Dentures
      • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • New Patients
    • Tour Our Office
    • Financial Information
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Testimonials
    • Patient Forms
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Preventive Care
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Brushing & Flossing Tips
    • Orthodontic Dentistry: Brushing & Flossing with Braces
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Radiology
    • General Dentistry & Oral Cancer Screening
    • Sealants at the Parkcrest Dental Group
    • General Dentistry & Fluoride
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Meet Dr. Scott
    • Meet Dr. Ropka
    • Meet Dr. Harrison
    • Meet Dr. Hall
    • Meet Dr. Fannin
    • Meet Dr. Dills
    • Meet Dr. Sponenberg
    • Meet Dr. Snider
    • Meet Dr. Allie
    • Community Involvement
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • 50th Anniversary
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
    • Braces
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Dental
    • Dental Care
    • Dental Education
    • Dental Implants
    • Dental Products
    • FAQ
    • Floss
    • Guides
      • After Oral Surgery
      • Botox in Springfield
      • Calcium Deposits
      • Caregiver’s Guide
      • Choosing a Dentist
      • Dental Care
      • Dental Emergencies
      • Our Offices
      • Porcelain Veneers
      • Your Child’s First Visit
    • Pediatric
    • Teeth Whitening
  • Dental Services
    • General Dentistry
      • Gum Disease
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Fillings
      • Root Canals
      • Dental FAQs
    • Orthodontics
      • Two-Phase Treatment
      • Early Orthodontic Treatment with Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment by Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Orthodontics for Teens
      • Retainer Instructions
      • Emergency Care
      • Life with Braces
        • Types of Braces
        • Traditional Braces
        • Clear Aligners
        • Clear Ceramic Braces
    • Dental Implants
      • Implant-Supported Dentures
      • X-Guide Imaging Machine for Dental Implants
    • Pediatric Dentistry
      • Dental Care for Your Baby
      • Thumb Sucking
      • Tooth Decay
      • Cavities
      • Tooth Extractions
      • Pediatric Dental FAQs
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • ICON White Spot Treatment
      • Botox
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Invisalign
        • Invisalign at Parkcrest
        • Teen Invisalign
      • Bridges
      • Crowns
      • Veneers
      • Dentures
      • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • New Patients
    • Tour Our Office
    • Financial Information
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Testimonials
    • Patient Forms
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Preventive Care
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Brushing & Flossing Tips
    • Orthodontic Dentistry: Brushing & Flossing with Braces
    • Parkcrest Dental Group Radiology
    • General Dentistry & Oral Cancer Screening
    • Sealants at the Parkcrest Dental Group
    • General Dentistry & Fluoride
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Meet Dr. Scott
    • Meet Dr. Ropka
    • Meet Dr. Harrison
    • Meet Dr. Hall
    • Meet Dr. Fannin
    • Meet Dr. Dills
    • Meet Dr. Sponenberg
    • Meet Dr. Snider
    • Meet Dr. Allie
    • Community Involvement
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • 50th Anniversary
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
    • Braces
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Dental
    • Dental Care
    • Dental Education
    • Dental Implants
    • Dental Products
    • FAQ
    • Floss
    • Guides
      • After Oral Surgery
      • Botox in Springfield
      • Calcium Deposits
      • Caregiver’s Guide
      • Choosing a Dentist
      • Dental Care
      • Dental Emergencies
      • Our Offices
      • Porcelain Veneers
      • Your Child’s First Visit
    • Pediatric
    • Teeth Whitening

Do I Have A Cavity?

  • March 30, 2018
  • 10:46 am
  • Dental Care, FAQ
  • Cavities, Dental Health, Pain
  • Parkcrest Dental Group

As a kid growing up, cavities were a cardinal sin. Eventually, you grew up and learned that root canals and wisdom tooth removals are much less fun. But cavities are one of the more common things that bring people into the dentist’s office. For some people, however, it can be hard to identify whether or not you have a cavity. Parkcrest Dental Group wants to help you learn how to identify cavities by talking about three main symptoms:

  • Pain and sensitivity
  • Holes in your teeth
  • Discoloration of your teeth

By identifying these three symptoms, you can know when it’s time to seek the help of the Parkcrest Dental Group.

Related Post: Parkcrest Dental Group: How Do Cavities Happen?

Pain and Sensitivity

This is often the tell-tale sign of a cavity for people who don’t regularly visit the dentist or who haven’t been in a while. While pain or sensitivity is common and isn’t always indicative of a cavity, it is a symptom that can help you identify one, especially on teeth that aren’t easy to see. Toothaches are common in cavities that have gone unchecked, while sensitivity may be a sign of a cavity if it isn’t alleviated by sensitive toothpaste.

Related Post: General Dentistry Tips For Toothaches

Holes In Your Teeth

Another common symptom of a cavity is a hole or a pit in your tooth, and they don’t always look the way that you think. While some are exterior, holes from cavities are usually in the interior of your tooth, especially in the molars. Those can be hard to identify because molars already have a natural pit. However, you will notice if a hole or a pit develops, even in the molars, because you will feel a difference. Parkcrest Dental Group recommends that a person with a hole or a pit in their tooth visit a dentist immediately because you likely have a cavity and will need to have it filled.

Discoloration Of Your Teeth

Another good indicator of a cavity is the color of your teeth. Patients who struggle with their dental hygiene are more likely to get a cavity, and cavities that go unchecked are typically the ones that can be identified visibly. So if you have a dark spot on your teeth, you should visit Parkcrest Dental Group away.

Parkcrest Dental Group Can Take Care Of Your Cavity

Cavities are a pain, both literally and figuratively. Parkcrest Dental Group wants to help you get rid of them as soon as possible, so give us a call today at (417) 262-5515 or visit our website for more information.

Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top right) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (center left) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (center right) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom left) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

More to explore

Man in pain holding his jaw, showing signs of a toothache or dental issue

Dental Injuries and Trauma: What to Do and Where to Go for Emergency Dental Care in Springfield, MO

May 19, 2025

Dental injuries aren’t just painful, they are typically unpredictable. One second, everything is fine. Next, you’re holding a broken tooth or trying

Female patient receiving a dental check-up with dentist using dental mirror and explorer in a modern clinic

Regular Dental Exams, The Simple Habit That Protects Your Smile for Life

May 19, 2025

At Parkcrest Dental Group in Springfield, MO, we believe the best dental care is personal, consistent, and stress-free. That’s why regular dental

Comprehensive Guide to Broken Tooth Repair, Relief and Prevention

April 30, 2025

A broken tooth can happen in many different ways, from weakened enamel and cavities to a fall or grinding teeth. If you

Archives
Search
Categories
  • Braces (63)
  • Cosmetic Dentistry (35)
  • Dental (19)
  • Dental Care (150)
  • Dental Education (165)
  • Dental Implants (18)
  • Dental Products (64)
  • FAQ (149)
  • Floss (12)
  • Guides (13)
  • Pediatric (63)
  • Teeth Whitening (29)
  • 540 W LaSalle St, Springfield, MO 65807
  • (417) 887-1220
  • Follow Us:
  • Dental FAQs
  • Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
  • Pediatric Dental FAQs
  • Privacy Practices

Web Design: BigPxl