Introduction
Tooth decay is the most common dental issue that is affecting millions of people around the world. It occurs due to erosion of tooth enamel which is caused by bacteria in the mouth that produce acids. If tooth decay is not treated it can cause pain, infection, and also loss of teeth. Dental fillings are the most common treatments for tooth decay. But tooth decay under filling is a dental concern that demands our attention let’s explore the causes, signs, and prevention of tooth decay under fillings.
What Is A Dental Filling?
After the complete removal of decay, the cavity is filled with a material called dental filling. Dental fillings are used to restore the tooth that has been damaged by decay. The filling bonds to the tooth and seals the cavity, preventing further decay and protecting the tooth from sensitivity. However, fillings are not permanent and can wear out over time, creating gaps or cracks where bacteria can enter and cause decay under the filling. This is known as recurrent decay, and it can be more difficult to detect and treat than primary decay.
What Causes Tooth Decay Under A Filling?
Several factors can contribute to the development of tooth decay under filling, such as:
1. Poor Oral Hygiene:
Accumulation of plaque and bacteria on your teeth and around the filing can occur if you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly will lead to tooth decay.
2. Eating And Drinking Habits:
Sugary foods and beverages can erode enamel and the filling material creating openings for bacteria to enter and cause decay.
3. Teeth grinding:
The habit of grinding can put excessive pressure on your fillings, causing them to crack or chip and allowing bacteria to enter and cause decay.
4. Ageing:
Your teeth and fillings will naturally wear down and become more susceptible to decay, as you age. Gum recession can occur, exposing the roots of the teeth and the margins of the fillings, where decay can easily occur.
5. Faulty or defective fillings:
If the filling is not done properly, or bonded to the tooth, it can cause microleakage where bacteria can enter and cause decay. The type and quality of the filling material can also affect its durability and resistance to decay.
Symptoms Of Tooth Decay Under Filling
Tooth decay under a filling can be hard to detect however, there are some signs and symptoms that can indicate that there is a problem with your filling, such as:
1. Sensitivity:
Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet can be a sign of recurrent decay under a filling.
2. Discoloration:
Dark or brown spots on or around the filling indicate that the filling material or the tooth has been damaged by decay.
3. Pain:
You may experience pain or discomfort when biting, chewing, or drinking foods and beverages. The pain may be constant or intermittent, depending on the extent of the decay and the nerve involvement.
4. Change in shape or fit:
You may feel that the filling has become loose, rough, or uneven, or that there is a gap or crack between the filling and the tooth. This can affect your bite and your speech, and make it easier for food particles and bacteria to get trapped and cause decay.
5. Bad taste or breath:
Persistent bad taste or smell in your mouth can be a sign of infection or decay under the filling.
Prevention And Maintainance
Tooth decay can be prevented under a filling by taking good care of your teeth and following few tips such as:
1. Regular Dental Check-ups:
Visiting your dentist regularly will help monitor the condition of fillings and detect any signs of decay early. Your dentist can also advise you on how to maintain them properly.
2. Oral Hygiene:
Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once a day. This will help to prevent tooth decay and recurrent decay.
3. Avoidance of Harmful Habits:
Habits like teeth grinding and chewing on hard objects can damage the filling. Wearing a night guard or being mindful of these habits can help protect the dental restorations.
4. Timely Replacement:
Fillings are not permanent and have a lifespan, it is essential to replace them when needed.
Treatment Options
The treatment for recurrent decay depends on the severity and location of the decay, and the condition of the filling and the tooth. The main goal of the treatment is to remove the decay, restore the tooth, and prevent further decay. Some of the possible treatment options are:
1. Replacing the filling:
If the decay is small and the filling is still intact, your dentist may be able to remove the old filling, clean the cavity, and place a new filling. This is a simple and quick procedure that can be done under local anesthesia.
2. Placing a crown:
If the decay is large or the filling is broken, your dentist may need to remove the filling and part of the tooth structure and place a crown over the remaining tooth. A crown is a cap that covers the entire tooth and protects it from further decay and damage.
3. Performing a root canal
If the decay has reached the pulp, the soft inner part of the tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels, your dentist may need to perform a root canal. A root canal can save the tooth from extraction, but it may also require a crown to restore the tooth and prevent it from breaking.
4. Extracting the tooth
If the tooth has become grossly carious and the tooth is beyond repair, your dentist may have no choice but to extract the tooth. This is the last resort, as losing a tooth can have a negative impact on your oral health and appearance. You may need to replace the missing tooth with a dental implant, a bridge, or a denture, depending on your situation and preference.
Conclusion
Tooth decay under filling is a common dental problem that can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss if left untreated. Understanding the signs and taking precautions to maintain oral health can go a long way in preventing and addressing this hidden threat. The best way to prevent tooth decay under filling is to take good care of your teeth and fillings and to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
