Top Three Potential Problems With Dental Fillings

Whenever you are getting a dental treatment, its advisable to understand all the pros, cons, and possible complications of the treatment first. That way you will not only be able to make an informed decision, but you will also know what to do in case complications arise. When it comes to dental fillings, here are some of the potential complications some people experience:

Pain Around the Filled Tooth

A little discomfort after dental treatment is to be expected, but this is usually something that over-the-counter pain medication can take care of. However, there are cases where you can experience genuine and serious pain after getting your teeth filled. The pain may begin soon after treatment or even a later on. Such pain can be caused by various things such as:

  • An improper bite issue where the filled tooth is longer than it should be and it is experiencing undue pressure when you bite
  • An infection that has reached deeper into the tooth root than first suspected

You shouldn't dismiss any pain that lasts longer than a few days. Such pain may mean that something is wrong with your tooth or filling so a dental consultation is warranted.

Filling Deterioration or Damage

Another problem you may face with your filled tooth is deterioration of the filling material. A deteriorated filling is bad for two main reasons; first, it can no longer perform the function it was installed to do, such as strengthening damaged teeth. Secondly, it exposes the natural teeth to further damage or bacterial attack. For example, if the filling material cracks, food particles can get trapped between it and your natural tooth, encouraging bacterial growth and attack. Your dental filling may crack, fall or wear out if:

  • you use it to bite down on something hard
  • you are hit in the mouth by a hard object, such as a golf ball
  • you use your teeth as a tool, for example, for opening beer bottles
  • the tooth under the filling gets deteriorated by an infection 

Allergic Reactions

Lastly, it's also possible to experience allergic reactions after dental filling treatment. This is possible if you have been treated with amalgam fillings, which contain silver. This is because some people are allergic to the metals used in dental fillings. The good news is that allergic reactions due to dental fillings are extremely rare not very likely to suffer one.

Hopefully, you won't have to deal with any of these complications with your dental fillings. If the complications do occur, consult your dentist for a solution because solutions are there.                   

To learn more, contact a professional like Thomas Krull, DDS, PC.


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