Have you ever had a cavity before? If so, you know the drill – literally. You can visit your dentist to get the cavity filled with a composite filling, sealing the tooth and preventing the further spread of decay. But once your tooth has had a filling, is it safe forever? Or can you get cavities under fillings even after you have visited the dentist?
Can You Get Cavities Under Fillings?
Unfortunately, it is still possible to get cavities under your fillings as the rest of your tooth is still at risk for infection and plaque. It is also possible that the filling or crown was not properly installed in your tooth. If you are worried about the state of your teeth after experiencing symptoms of pain and discomfort, you might want to schedule a visit with your dentist in Pomona.
Recurrent Decay – Cavities Under Fillings
When a cavity forms under dental fillings, this is known as recurrent decay. This can happen when fillings and crowns are not properly installed, causing them to leak. Any kind of dental restoration can still leave some of the decay behind, which will spread to the rest of the tooth if not properly sealed.
Improper installation isn’t the only cause of recurrent decay, however. It is also possible to damage fillings and crowns due to stress and other physical habits. Aggressive chewing, tooth grinding, and clenching can damage some dental work that may allow for bacteria and plaque to slip in between newly-formed cracks and grooves. Once fillings are worn down, they no longer work as intended.
Symptoms and Treatment of Recurrent Decay
The best way to reduce the risk of a cavity returning to the same tooth is to notice early symptoms and schedule treatment as quickly as possible. Make sure you pay attention to your teeth. Cbeck for any new cracks or breakages around the filling area. If you ever notice anything, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.
Symptoms
You should also learn to identify the most common symptoms of tooth decay so you can get in touch with your dental expert as soon as you start experiencing these symptoms for yourself:
- Consistent toothache
- Sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures
- Stains forming on the teeth that are brown or white
- Infection forming around the tooth or gums
- Pain, swelling, or fever
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s important to get in touch with your dentist right away. The sooner you can stop a cavity from spreading, the easier it will be to prevent major oral health issues.
Treatment
Depending on the severity of the cavity that has formed under your filling, different treatment options may be needed. Mild cases of cavities can result in fillings or fluoride treatments as early prevention options. If the infection has made its way down to the roots of the tooth, a more drastic measure needs to be taken.
The best treatment for tooth infection is a root canal procedure. This is only necessary if decay has spread to the tooth’s pulp; root canals are the only alternative to total tooth extraction. Pulling a tooth is the last resort for dentists and will only be suggested if there is no other way to stop the spread of decay.
Prevent Future Cavities with Expert Dental Care Today!
Some fillings can get worn down over time, causing gaps and cracks to occur around the treatment area. When this happens, it is possible for tooth decay to come back into the tooth. You can prevent the spread of infection and decay when you get professional dental fillings in Pomona. Schedule a personal consultation with one of our dental pros today to learn more about the best treatment options for an infected tooth.
