Reasons for Filling Failure

At Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, we supply fillings that are long-lasting and naturally-colored to give patients the smiles they deserve. However, it is possible in some circumstances for fillings to fail prematurely, and scientists have recently released a new study that determines why.

The expected lifespan of a filling is about ten years. But the study found that in smokers and people who heavily drank alcohol, fillings were significantly likelier to fail after just two years. The study also found that filling failure tends to run in families. Scientists speculated about which genes might be responsible for this, but the lesson is that people from families with a history of bad dental health need to be especially attentive to their oral hygiene and to maintaining regular dental check-ups.

Each time our patients see us, we assess the durability of their fillings so they can be removed and replaced before any problems arise. One piece of good news from the study is that white fillings attached with bonding are just as effective as the old amalgam ones made of mercury and silver. This means that patients are sacrificing anything by going with the better-looking option.

Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour operate Southern Cross Dental at 1855 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80905-2516. To schedule an appointment, call 719-471-1717 or visit Southern Cross Family Dentistry and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Fillings

At Southern Cross Dental our doctors place fillings for patients to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay, cracks or chips.  The procedure for receiving a filling is standard and non-invasive, and can typically be completed in a short appointment with a local anesthetic.  To fill a cavity, your dentist numbs the area before removing any decay from the tooth.  The remaining tooth is thoroughly cleaned and prepared to receive the filling material.

Amalgam fillings are a mixture of metals that bond together to create a hard, strong filling for a compromised tooth.  Amalgam fillings are the most durable option, and some patients choose to use metal fillings on their back teeth.  Composite fillings perform the same task as metal fillings and are more aesthetically matched to the look of your natural teeth.  These fillings are typically used on front teeth and surface cavities, and after your dentist shapes and polishes the material it blends right into your smile!

To learn more about dental fillings and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call 719-471-1717.

Pain around Fillings

We provide high-quality fillings at Southern Cross Dental. While some sensitivity is normal after a filling’s placement, it is generally worth it to prevent further tooth decay and to remove a hiding place for bacteria. However, when pain persists for several days after a filling was placed or begins long after a successful restoration, patients should seek the attention of one of our dentists.

Some fillings are made of material than can shrink after placement, which leaves a gap bacteria can enter. It is also possible for a filling to be shaped in a way that prevents the patient from fully biting down, which may be painful. Such fillings need to be redone. But even a filling which was made well may not last forever. The sealant holding a filling in place can break, causing it to come loose and for bacteria to enter the crack in the sealant.

If a bacterial infection reached the pulp of a tooth, a filling will not be sufficient to remove the problem. The patient will have to undergo a root canal. However, the advanced imaging devices in our office make it unlikely that an infection would be undertreated.

Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour operate Southern Cross Dental at 1855 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80905-2516. To schedule an appointment, call 719-471-1717 or visit SouthernCrossFamilyDentistry.com and fill out a contact sheet.