What if my filling fails?
Fillings eventually fail. A common misconception is that a filling will last forever. Composite resin fillings are durable, but they eventually will fail and need to be replaced. We consider a filling to be failing when it no longer seals out bacteria and allows them to infect the inner layers of the tooth.
Replacing a failing resin filling with a new restoration can prevent more decay form developing and keep your mouth healthy.
What causes a resin filling to fail?
Resin fillings have to endure an incredible amount of biting force. Over time, they become worn, and their edges can wear away.
In a few cases, the resin material may shrink after it’s placed. This can open a space where the filling meets the tooth, allowing bacteria into the tooth. The shrinkage can also force the filling to pull on tooth structure as the resin shrinks, stressing the tooth.
Replacing the filling
When we discover a failing resin filling, it’s important to replace it with another restoration as soon as possible to protect your tooth. There are several types of restorations, including fillings, inlays, onlays and crowns, and these can be fabricated from a variety of different materials. After doing a thorough exam, we’ll recommend the best restoration for your situation.
Showing posts with label Fillings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fillings. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Overhangs
What Are Overhangs?
One of the keys to the long-term success of your restoration and the health of your gums is the accuracy of the fit. This is especially true where the restoration meets the tooth.
When everything is ideal, there is a seamless transition where the tooth and the filling or crown meet. When a restoration is too bulky where it meets your tooth, we call it an overhang. Overhangs can cause a lot of damage in a short period of time because they:
Over time, silver amalgam fillings can absorb moisture and change their original shape. Challenges and technique problems at the time of placement may also be the cause of overhangs. Whatever their origin, overhangs must be corrected. In most cases, this requires removal of the old filling or crown and replacement with a new one that fits properly. Overhangs are a serious problem and a threat to the health of your teeth and gums. Let us know if you ever have difficulty flossing, or if your floss catches or tears. We can avoid many serious problems by finding and replacing any restorations that have overhangs.
One of the keys to the long-term success of your restoration and the health of your gums is the accuracy of the fit. This is especially true where the restoration meets the tooth.
When everything is ideal, there is a seamless transition where the tooth and the filling or crown meet. When a restoration is too bulky where it meets your tooth, we call it an overhang. Overhangs can cause a lot of damage in a short period of time because they:
- Trap food and bacteria
- Make it difficult or impossible to floss
- Can contribute to periodontal disease and cavities
- Can lead to long-term bone loss
Over time, silver amalgam fillings can absorb moisture and change their original shape. Challenges and technique problems at the time of placement may also be the cause of overhangs. Whatever their origin, overhangs must be corrected. In most cases, this requires removal of the old filling or crown and replacement with a new one that fits properly. Overhangs are a serious problem and a threat to the health of your teeth and gums. Let us know if you ever have difficulty flossing, or if your floss catches or tears. We can avoid many serious problems by finding and replacing any restorations that have overhangs.
Friday, April 16, 2010
FYI Fridays: Fillings
White Fillings
Until recently, silver amalgam was the material most often used to restore decayed portions of your teeth, especially back teeth. Unfortunately, silver fillings can really darken a smile, and amalgam, by its very nature, can cause damage to your tooth in the long run. Amalgam fillings absorb moisture and expand and contract with heat and cold. So, as the filling ages, it can fracture your tooth; we will then need to place a crown on your tooth to save it. Also, silver fillings often undergo metal fatigue, corroding and leaking over time. This destroys the protective seal of the filling and allows new decay to develop underneath it. This leakage can give a gray appearance to the entire tooth.
New tooth-colored options
Dental research has resulted in the development of new tooth-colored materials that are not only durable and long lasting, but attractive as well. These materials, porcelain and composite resin, provide an attractive, natural look while at the same time restoring strength and durability to your tooth. Both porcelain and composite resin are bonded directly to the tooth, restoring it to near its original strength and function. Both can be custom-colored to precisely match your teeth, so when porcelain or resin fillings are placed, they’re extremely natural looking. This can really make a difference in your appearance, especially if the restoration is visible when you smile.
More advantages of white restorations
When we place an amalgam filling, we have to remove extra healthy tooth structure, just so the filling will stay in place. When we restore your tooth with composite resin, we need to remove only the decayed portion because the bond anchors the material tightly in place. This means you retain more of your healthy tooth structure. Also, because white fillings are bonded to your tooth, they add strength to the tooth. So if you’re looking for an attractive and effective option for restoring one or more decayed teeth, be sure to ask us about the latest choices in white restorative materials.
Until recently, silver amalgam was the material most often used to restore decayed portions of your teeth, especially back teeth. Unfortunately, silver fillings can really darken a smile, and amalgam, by its very nature, can cause damage to your tooth in the long run. Amalgam fillings absorb moisture and expand and contract with heat and cold. So, as the filling ages, it can fracture your tooth; we will then need to place a crown on your tooth to save it. Also, silver fillings often undergo metal fatigue, corroding and leaking over time. This destroys the protective seal of the filling and allows new decay to develop underneath it. This leakage can give a gray appearance to the entire tooth.
New tooth-colored options
Dental research has resulted in the development of new tooth-colored materials that are not only durable and long lasting, but attractive as well. These materials, porcelain and composite resin, provide an attractive, natural look while at the same time restoring strength and durability to your tooth. Both porcelain and composite resin are bonded directly to the tooth, restoring it to near its original strength and function. Both can be custom-colored to precisely match your teeth, so when porcelain or resin fillings are placed, they’re extremely natural looking. This can really make a difference in your appearance, especially if the restoration is visible when you smile.
More advantages of white restorations
When we place an amalgam filling, we have to remove extra healthy tooth structure, just so the filling will stay in place. When we restore your tooth with composite resin, we need to remove only the decayed portion because the bond anchors the material tightly in place. This means you retain more of your healthy tooth structure. Also, because white fillings are bonded to your tooth, they add strength to the tooth. So if you’re looking for an attractive and effective option for restoring one or more decayed teeth, be sure to ask us about the latest choices in white restorative materials.
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