Is a Failing Filling the Cause of Your Toothache?

Sometimes it seems like the only limits to modern dentistry are the limits of your memory. When a toothache strikes, one of the first things to think about is if the tooth has ever needed a filling. When a cavity is filled using a tooth-coloured composite resin, the restoration can be invisible. If the tooth hasn't given you any further complaints until now, you may not have thought about the filling in some years. So why has the tooth started to hurt after all these years?

Long-Term, But Not Permanent

Dental fillings aren't a permanent solution to a cavity. They're a long-term solution, which must be replaced as needed. The longevity of a filling depends on the materials used, the tooth that received the filling, as well as your own standard of oral hygiene. However, eventually, a filling will come to the end of its service life.

A Failing Seal

A toothache in a tooth that once received a filling can begin to indicate a problem with the filling. It could be that its seal is failing. As the composite resin was applied to the prepared tooth, it dried to create a seal. This seal will eventually weaken, allowing oral bacteria to penetrate the restoration, along with microscopic food particles. This process can cause irritation and will almost certainly lead to further deterioration of the tooth.

Pulp Inflammation and Infection

Further deterioration of the tooth may already have occurred. When the pain is throbbing and appears to be escalating, the pulp at the centre of the tooth may be inflamed or infected. This occurs when a failing restoration has permitted bacteria and other contaminants to enter the tooth, which can then make its way to the tooth's pulp. There may be deterioration to the dentin beneath your dental enamel, creating direct access. Alternatively, there are microscopic canals throughout your dentin, which lead to the pulp. Contaminants can irritate the pulp via these canals.

Until you've been assessed by your dentist, the cause of your toothache may be pure speculation. Ideally, all that will be needed is for an ageing, failing filling to be replaced. However, if continued deterioration has resulted in damage to the tooth's pulp, then a root canal will be necessary. In any event, treatment should not be delayed, as the issue is likely to worsen to the point that more stringent measures will be necessary. Contact a local dentist to learn more about toothache issues.

About Me

Dealing with Dental Braces

Yo! My name is Sarah. I live in Syndey, Australia. A couple of years ago, I was fitted with dental braces. I was 21 years old at the time and I hated the idea of wearing braces. However, my dentist was really good at explaining why it was a good idea to have the treatment. It felt a little strange at first but as time went by, I got used to wearing my braces. On follow-up visits, my dentist would check that I had been properly cleaning and caring for my braces. I decided to start this blog to offer advice to other brace wearers.

Search

Categories

Latest Posts

23 September 2024
When faced with a dental emergency, many people may hesitate to visit an emergency dentist due to fear or uncertainty. However, it is crucial to seek

19 December 2023
For many people, visiting the dentist only happens when they have a toothache, cavity, or other dental issue. However, regularly visiting your dentist

17 October 2023
In dentistry, cosmetic dental work has gained a lot of traction. But what exactly is cosmetic dental work, and is it worth the investment? This blog w