Minor defects in a tooth’s enamel layer can often be addressed by having a dentist install a dental filling. This mode of treatment might be called for repair an area of dental attrition, minor dental fracture or a small cavity.
After the dental filling material has been bonded to the surrounding tooth enamel it will effectively restore the normal function of the tooth. With good oral hygiene practices, this relationship should last for many years to come.
However, if you sometimes forget to brush your teeth each morning or night, or you are inconsistent with your daily flossing efforts a poor oral hygiene condition could start to develop in your mouth. In time the persistent presence of plaque acids can gradually start to demineralize your tooth enamel. This could potentially degrade the once strong relationship with an existing dental filling.
If you have recently noticed a change in a tooth with a dental filling, it’s best to have the tooth examined by an experienced dentist like Dr. John McMurray and Dr. Brad Williams. The size and location of the void left by a missing dental filling will influence the treatment plan that they advocate.
If the failing dental filling is small they might be able to install a replacement dental filling. This will require removing a small amount of additional tooth enamel to ensure a clean surface to bond the new dental filling.
If you live in the Meridian, Idaho, area and have a tooth with a distressed or missing dental filling, we encourage you to call 208-888-3311 to seek timely treatment at Legacy Smiles Family Dental.