Fortunately, there are several repair treatments available. Small cracks in teeth can be repaired by either a dental filling or veneer . The dental filling is the most chosen option as it can be applied during one visit and is more affordable.
Should a cracked tooth be filled?
With minor fractures, your tooth may need only a filling to be repaired . For front teeth, a dentist will use a tooth-colored composite resin to repair teeth, called bonding. Because it is such a simple procedure, bonding doesn’t usually require the numbing of the tooth.
What happens if you crack a tooth with a filling?
If the seal between the tooth and the filling breaks down, food particles and bacteria can work their way underneath the filling. If this happens you then run the risk of possibly developing decay in that tooth, or the tooth chipping further and breaking down .
How do dentists fix a cracked filling?
If possible, we’ll simply replace the filling . Your dentist will go over options for filling material with you and help you make a decision. In some cases, the tooth may require a root canal or a crown to ensure the integrity of the tooth. Very rarely will a tooth need to be extracted.
How long can a cracked filling last?
Depending on the type of material used (eg. amalgam or composite resin), fillings often last between 7-15 years . If your filling is old and starting to show some signs of wear and tear, it’s important to replace it before it cracks.
Can you see a cracked filling?
Observing a hole or dark spot on your filling could be a sign that it’s cracked, but it’s not always detectable with the naked eye . Some other cracked filling symptoms are: Sensitivity when biting down/chewing.
Can a filling be replaced?
On average, you can expect a metal filling to last for about 15 years before needing to be replaced , but the length of time can vary based on several factors, such as if you grind or clench your teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are made from a mixture of fine glass and plastic particles.
Why does a cracked filling hurt?
Broken or loose fillings are rarely considered an emergency, but because they can be painful we treat it as an emergency dental visit. The pain you experience is often due to exposed tooth tissue that is sensitive to pressure, air or hot and cold temperatures .
What happens if you don’t fix a cracked filling?
Never Ignore a Cracked Filling.
Any crack allows bacteria to contaminate the tooth, leading to further tooth decay . This can even weaken the root. It can also create an infection that if prolonged can spread to other parts of your body.
Can a broken filling get infected?
A loose or damaged filling can even lead to a root canal infection . To prevent significant dental problems, Dr. Asadi may recommend that your fillings are replaced. The treatment process for replacing dental fillings is straightforward.
How many times can a filling be replaced?
There is no single number of how many times you can have a filling replaced . Usually, we will stop replacing the dental filling after the hole becomes too large. Once you have more filling material than natural tooth material your tooth no longer holds enough strength.
Should I have old fillings replaced?
If the dentist finds evidence that a filling has failed or detects decay on the radiograph, the dental filling should be replaced promptly . Don’t wait until the tooth hurts or a crack appears in the filling of the tooth. Early detection and treatment can mini- mize the need for extensive and costly procedures.
How do dentists remove old fillings?
A High Volume Suction device will be used . This suction pulls all particles away from the tooth as the filling is being drilled out. Powdered charcoal and chlorella are placed in your mouth under the rubber dam.
Can I wait 6 months to fill a cavity?
As a broad timeline, on average, it can take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity needs treatment . The conditions of your mouth change daily.
Can a dentist add to a filling?
Although uncommon, if your composite filling needs a touchup, we can repair it by adding more composite material . Its easy application, durability, and natural aesthetics make composite the preferred material for fillings among our dentists as well.
