Fillings performed by Dr. Sean Ky are meant to repair chips or small cavities in teeth. They are common made from decay-resistant materials such as porcelain, composite resin, and some occasions, amalgam. However, from time to time, the pesky bacteria in our mouths can slowly start to weaken the precious bond between a filling and the surrounding tooth enamel. The chances of this happening are even higher if you have poor oral hygiene habits, or if you skip your bi-annual dental cleanings.
Why Fillings Can Fail
The larger and older a filling is, the more likely it will fail. This is often a result of the bacteria in your mouth infiltrating the microscopic bonded seam between the filling and the adjacent tooth enamel.
One common symptom of a filling that’s having trouble is a sharp pain when biting down or chewing on that single tooth. This could also be associated with a change in texture, especially if the filling is on the lingual side of the tooth near your tongue.
Bad Fillings Need to Be Replaced
If you suspect you have a bad filling, don’t ignore it as it may do more harm than good inside your mouth.
According to research published in the Journal of Dentistry, a bad or worn out dental filling can increase tooth decay, infection, and mean more fillings will be needed, particularly on neighboring teeth.
Dental Fillings Are Still Important
Despite the risk of having a filling go bad, fillings are still a necessity for some patients as there is no other solution, other than replacement, to repair a decayed tooth. They also say patients need to be particularly careful about taking care of their teeth after a filling, reducing sugar intake and brushing properly.
In the meantime, dental offices are being urged to follow the minimally invasive dental approach for treatments, as practiced here at the office of Dr. Sean Ky. This careful, delicate form of filling treatment uses minimal intervention to reduce the chance of damaging teeth.
