At Bethesda Chevy Chase Dental, We may use several methods to determine if you have tooth decay, including:
- Observation - Some discolored spots on your teeth may indicate decay, but not all of them. In Most cases. We will use an explorer, a metal instrument with a sharp tip, to probe for possible decay. Healthy tooth enamel is hard and will resist pressure by the explorer. Decayed enamel is softer. The instrument will stick in it slightly.
- Cavity-detecting dye - This can be rinsed over your tooth. It will stick to decayed areas and rinse cleanly from healthy ones.
- X-rays - X-rays can help us see your decay that doesn't show on the surface.
Decay is not the only reason you may need a filling. Other reasons include:
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Teeth that are worn from unusual use, such as:
- Nail-biting
- Tooth grinding
- Using your teeth to open things
When You Receive A Filling
When it is determined you need a filling, you will be given local anesthesia to numb the area if necessary. Next, we will remove decay from the tooth, using hand instruments or a drill.
Throughout the removal process, We will test the area with the explorer to see if all the decay has been removed. Once all the decay is removed, the next step is to shape the space to prepare it for the filling. Different types of fillings require different shaping procedures to make sure they will stay in place.
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Finally, after the filling is placed, your tooth will be polished.
After A Filling:
Many people feel some sensitivity after they receive a filling. The tooth may be sensitive to pressure, air, sweet foods, heat or cold. Composite fillings often cause sensitivity, but other types of filling materials can, too. It's important to let us know about any sensitivity you are feeling.
After your tooth is polished, the filling after it is placed may occasionally have sharp edges that may remain. If you find one, contact your us immediately so it can be smoothed as soon as possible to avoid injury to your tongue or mouth.
Why Replace A Filling?
Fillings don't last forever. They can become discolored. For example, amalgam or silver fillings corrode and tarnish. Composite, tooth-colored fillings pick up stains, and yellow or darken over time. When you chew, your teeth and any fillings in them are subjected to tremendous pressures. Even if no other problems develop, some fillings will wear out over time and will need to be replaced. A filling will need to be replaced earlier if it falls out, leaks or cracks.
Fillings That Fall Out
Fillings can fall out for several reasons:
- You chew too hard on a large filling, and break the filling or the tooth.
- A filling material was used that cannot restore the tooth to its proper form and function.
- The cavity is contaminated with saliva when the filling is placed. For composite resins, this will disrupt the bonding of the material. As a result, the bond will not stick well to the tooth and it may fall out.
Cracked Fillings
Both amalgam and composite fillings can crack, either soon after they are placed or after the fillings have been in place for some time.
Cracks can occur soon after a filling is placed if the filling is higher than the rest of the tooth surface, and must bear most of the force of biting. Cracks also can occur over time, as the forces from chewing and biting affect the filling.
Small cracks also can occur at the edges of a filling. These usually are caused by wear over time. These cracks often can be repaired.
Leaking Fillings
A filling is said to be leaking when the side of the filling doesn't fit tightly against the tooth. Debris and saliva can seep down between the filling and the tooth. This can lead to decay, discoloration or sensitivity.
Fillings also can leak as a result of wear over time. These fillings should be replaced.
Worn-Out Fillings
Some fillings can last for 15 years or longer. Others, however, will have to be replaced in as little as five years. Please schedule an exam, so that we can determine if your fillings are worn enough that they need to be replaced.
Clenching and Grinding
If you clench or grind your teeth, you may have more problems with your fillings. The forces placed on your teeth can lead to tooth sensitivity and extra wear on your fillings. Clenching or grinding also can cause your teeth and fillings to crack or develop small craze lines. These are fine cracks you can see if you shine a light on your tooth.
Keeping Your Fillings
Although some fillings can last for many years, the average life of an amalgam filling is five to seven years. Some can last 15 years. Composite fillings may not last this long.
Please call today to make an appointment with Bethesda Chevy Chase Dental if you are experiencing:
- If a tooth is sensitive
- If you see a crack
- If part of a filling appears to be missing
To help your fillings last, you should visit us regularly for cleanings, brush with a fluoride toothpaste, and floss once a day. If you have many fillings or very large fillings, we may may prescribe a fluoride gel you can use at home. The fluoride will help strengthen your teeth and prevent future cavities.
Replacing a Filling
Before removing your old filling, we will discuss treatment options with you. It is often possible to repair an old filling instead of removing it and replacing it completely
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