Decay under filling is a common occurrence that often surprises people who have previously had their teeth filled. So people who have repaired their teeth may have this ask from dentists we need to replace the filling of our teeth.
In general, there is no reason to replace the fillings of restored teeth, but like natural teeth, these teeth may also suffer from damage means decay under filling, and it is necessary to be examined by a dentist during six-month checkups.
Of course, sometimes people may want to replace the non-same-colored amalgam restorations of their teeth with the same-colored restorations, that is, composite restorations, in which case they must consult their dentist.
It is necessary to say that dentists fill the tooth when the tooth tissue is weakened due to decay. Those parts of the tooth that are wasted are removed and filled with unique dental materials.
Related: “Tooth And Ear Pain On The Same Side“
Note that tooth filling materials, Even if it is one of the best dental materials, it still does not reach the resistance and strength of a person’s original tooth. Therefore, decay under filling will be a possibility.
َAlso note that a damaged and decayed tooth will deteriorate daily if it is not repaired on time ( In that regard, reading the article “The Teeth Implants Revolution” would be beneficial)
I must emphasize to you that; Note that it is necessary to take care of teeth, both healthy teeth and restored teeth. ( It is recommended to read the article “Points To Pay Attention To After Teeth Restoration” )
You should know that when you fill your tooth, there will come a time when you have to change the packing.
Old dental fillings cause many problems and may cause you to lose your tooth.
Therefore, you should not wait for the toothache to bring you to the dentist, but you should visit the dentist at least once a year and take pictures to ensure that there is no problem with the teeth that have been filled for a long time. Because decay under the filling is a common occurrence.
( You may be interested in the “Tooth Pain, No Cavities” article.
Interesting to know that No dental restoration is lifelong, and you should know the useful life of your dental restorations to check them in time. The following factors are the most important reasons for the need to replace dental fillings:
If the dentist notices signs of decay under filling during the dental examination, he recommends immediate treatment and replacement.
It may progress and reach a pulp if you do not treat caries in time. And even leads to infection ( If you are faced, read the article “Treatment Of Tooth Infection Swelling“). In this case, you will need nerve extraction, and if you do not take action, you will get an infection and lose the tooth.
And I must add that decay under filling commonly occurs in the tooth. Over time, the filling separates from the tooth and creates microscopic seams between the tooth and the restoration. In such conditions, food particles and bacteria enter it.
Bacteria work by feeding on food particles and producing acid. Acid leads to the loss of tooth structure.
Caries may be difficult to detect because the restoration covers the filled tooth on a routine examination.
For this reason, to ensure the health of the repair, an X-ray photo should be taken to better estimate the tooth’s health.
Related: “How Do I Know What Kind Of Toothache I Have?“
If the tooth is subjected to a lot of pressure or undergoes contraction and expansion many times, the silver amalgam restorative materials may crack or fill the lip. Any tooth restoration that is broken should be replaced. Otherwise, it can even lead to tooth sensitivity to cold or hot.
Related: ‘What To Do With Tooth Sensitivity“
A piece of the repair may break off and be accidentally swallowed. Cracks are also a good place for bacteria to penetrate and cause decay.
Therefore, if a crack is observed in the filling, it must be replaced. ( It is recommended to read the article “Tooth Infection Swelling“.)
People who have habits such as grinding their teeth and clenching their teeth, chewing complex objects such as pencils, chewing ice, biting nails, etc., are more exposed to this problem and should visit the dentist more often to check the condition of their teeth.
Related: “How Do I Know What Kind Of Toothache I Have?“
As mentioned, the filling may separate from the tooth over time, and a small space may appear between them.
In this case, particles, saliva, and bacteria enter this space. This situation is called dental filling leakage.
Finally, this leads to the vulnerability of the tooth against pressure and increases the possibility of tooth fracture and decay under filling. Therefore, the leaky filling must be replaced before these problems occur.
Sometimes, patients ask for translations to make some teeth that have already been filled with amalgam more beautiful because they are occasionally exposed.
To make the teeth more beautiful, metal fillings can be replaced with tooth-colored materials (composite resin).
Related: “How To Laminate Teeth And How Long Does It Work?“
People who are allergic to the materials used in their dental restorations should have their dental fillings replaced.
Although allergy to amalgam is rare, it can be seen in some people. These people can fix the problem by replacing their amalgam filling.
When the silver filling needs to be replaced, it starts to crack and separate from the tooth.
In more severe cases, a large crack may be created in the restoration, or the entire tooth may break due to its structural weakness.
To heal a decayed tooth, the dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth and then fills the previous decayed area.
Fillings are also used to repair broken or decayed teeth and teeth damaged by misuse (such as breaking complex objects with teeth or biting nails).
Related: “The Teeth Implants Revolution: A Guide to a Beautiful, Healthy Smile“
Fillings can wear down over time due to various factors, including chewing patterns, grinding habits, and dental habits.
The materials used in fillings vary; some are more resistant to wear than others. Additionally, the placement and shape of the filling can affect its durability.
As fillings accumulate wear and tear, they can crack, weaken, or fall out, leaving the underlying tooth structure vulnerable to decay or other problems.
The lifespan of a tooth filling depends on the dentist who performed the filling, the extent of damage caused, and how you care for your teeth.
Some people who have previously had their teeth filled may need to replace and refill them due to fracture, decay under filling teeth, or lack of adequate oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing.
In conclusion, the phenomenon of decay under filling is a widespread dental issue that is not only aesthetically unpleasant but can also have consequences for a patient’s dental health, including pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
So, it is vital to be aware of the signs and symptoms of decay under filling and to take action early to prevent further damage to their teeth.
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Dr. Majid Zohrabi started treating his patients in Dubai in 2022 and continues his activities in private medical centers in the UAE.