Dental Filling
Peoria, AZ
Dental treatments, such as fillings, root canals, and bridges, are designed to restore oral health and functionality. Over time, however, normal wear and tear can affect dental work. Fillings, for example, may become damaged and occasionally require repair to maintain their effectiveness and protect your teeth. At Pleasant Valley Dentistry, our dentists are here to ensure your smile stays healthy and strong.
What Is A Filling?
Dental fillings are one of the most common dental treatments because cavities are one of the most common oral health problems. Whenever you have decay in the tooth, our dentist will clean the decay out and then refill the tooth with a tooth-colored resin. That resin is pretty durable, but it is not immune to damage or protection from further decay.
Fillings can get damaged by various events in your life, and most of the time the filling causes a crack in your tooth. Even the smallest cracks can get bacteria into your mouth and then can cause decay, and it might even get into your dental pulp which can cause even more problems.
What Can Damage Your Fillings?
While dental fillings are designed to be durable and long-lasting, they are't indestructible. Various factors can weaken or damage your fillings over time, potentially compromising their effectiveness. Let'; explore some of the most common culprits:
Chewing Hard Foods
Biting down on hard foods like ice, hard candies, or mints can place excessive pressure on your teeth and fillings. Just as your natural teeth are at risk of chipping or cracking under such strain, fillings are equally vulnerable. Repeatedly chewing on hard objects can lead to small fractures or even complete breakage of the filling.
Large Fillings
The size of a filling plays a role in its durability. Larger fillings often have less structural support than smaller ones, making them more prone to damage under pressure. Over time, the constant force exerted during chewing can weaken these larger restorations, increasing the likelihood of failure.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Unconscious teeth grinding or clenching, particularly during sleep, is another significant factor that can weaken your fillings. The repetitive and intense pressure from grinding places undue stress on both your natural teeth and any restorations. Without intervention, this habit can cause fillings to crack, shift, or become loose.
Natural Wear and Tear
Fillings are subjected to daily wear and tear, especially if they’ve been in place for many years. Acidic foods and beverages, poor oral hygiene, or regular exposure to extreme temperature changes (like sipping hot coffee and immediately biting into ice) can also gradually erode the materials, making them more susceptible to damage.
By being mindful of these factors and practicing good oral care habits, you can help extend the life of your fillings and maintain a healthy, functional smile.
How Do You Know If A Filling Is Damaged?
Recognizing the signs of a damaged filling is essential to protecting your oral health. Many symptoms are similar to those of a cracked tooth, so paying attention to any changes in your dental comfort is key.
Pain or Discomfort When Biting Down
One of the most common indicators of a damaged filling is sharp or sudden pain when you bite down. This discomfort might occur consistently or only when chewing certain foods, signaling that the filling may be cracked or loose.
Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
Increased sensitivity to temperature changes is another telltale sign. If you notice discomfort when consuming hot coffee, ice water, or other temperature-extreme foods and drinks, it could mean that your filling no longer provides proper insulation for the tooth.
Movement of the Filling
A filling that feels loose or moves when you touch it with your tongue or chew is a clear sign of damage. A loose filling creates gaps where bacteria can enter, putting the entire tooth at risk of decay or further damage.
Visible Changes
Sometimes, you might notice visible signs of a damaged filling, such as cracks, chips, or discoloration. Regular dental checkups can catch these issues early before they lead to more significant problems.
Schedule with Your Dentists in Peoria, AZ Today!
Thankfully, damaged fillings are very easy to treat and they also are not meant to last forever. Even if you have perfect oral health you do need to come in to get your fillings replaced. If you need to get your fillings repaired or just want to check up on them, please contact our Pleasant Valley Dentistry dental team at 623-561-1470 and we will be happy to take a look at them for you. |
