Many of us have had that unpleasant sensation of biting into something crunchy or hard and feeling a tooth give way. It’s not unusual for fillings to begin to crumble and crack, and one telltale sign is trying to chew on something that feels much too hard to be food, or noticing a tooth has developed a sharp edge.
Initially, a broken filling in Oshawa may not be a dental emergency, and if the tooth doesn’t hurt, you might be tempted to leave it, telling yourself you will get around to it later.
However, failing to treat a broken filling promptly can lead to larger problems that can cause pain and be costlier to put right. A tooth that doesn’t have a well-fitting restoration is structurally weakened, so you may bite down and feel the entire tooth begin to split, and there is an increased risk that you could lose the tooth entirely.
Additionally, you might require an emergency dentist, and you can just about guarantee that a dental emergency in Whitby never occurs at a convenient time.
Why Do Fillings and Restorations Break?
Older dental restorations, including fillings, crowns and bridges, inlays and onlays, will eventually need to be replaced as they age. Over time, they can weaken, and the cement holding crowns and bridges in place can crumble. When this happens, a restoration no longer seals and protects the tooth as it should.
The whole purpose of the restoration is to protect and preserve the tooth, restoring structure that may have been lost to infection, decay, or trauma. The restoration also ensures the tooth is fully sealed, which is extremely important, as it prevents bacteria naturally present in your mouth from penetrating the tooth and causing further infection and decay.
Generally, a well-made dental filling should last several years. Some crowns and bridges can last 10 years or more with the right care. However, poor oral care or habits such as biting on ice cubes, popcorn or using your teeth as tools can cause restorations to break sooner.
Signs That You Have a Failing Filling or Restoration
Sometimes it’s obvious that a filling has crumbled or that a restoration is starting to fail, for example, if a crown or bridge begins to feel loose. Other times, you may initially be unaware that something is wrong.
One initial symptom is noticing that a tooth has become more sensitive to temperature changes or to sweet or sour foods. It may feel slightly uncomfortable or painful.
This is because, without the protection of a filling or restoration, sensations like hot or cold can quickly penetrate the tooth and reach the nerve. Even breathing in on a cold day may feel unpleasant. Other times, a tooth may only feel uncomfortable when you bite down.
What to Do If You Break a Dental Restoration
If you think you have a failing restoration or have noticed that a tooth has begun to feel uncomfortable, contact Margolian Dentistry. Our friendly dental team will ask about your symptoms and can offer immediate, helpful advice over the phone. We can also get you booked in to see our dentist in Ajax.
In the meantime, it’s best to avoid chewing on the tooth if possible. If you can see a cavity where a filling is missing, you can use a small piece of sugar-free gum to temporarily replace the filling. Another option is to use over-the-counter temporary dental cement to fill the tooth or to hold a loose restoration in place.
Please don’t use household glue or super glue. These tend to be toxic and will damage your tooth and any dental restoration.
