A dental filling can help keep a tooth strong after a cavity treatment. A cavity damages the strong exterior shell of the tooth, called the enamel, leading to a pathway for bacteria to enter deeper into the tooth. When a dentist cleans away the bacteria and fills the hole with a dental filling, most patients assume that all the work is done. But did you know that taking care of a filling correctly can help it last longer?
While dental fillings are long-term solutions for cavities, they might not last forever. In fact, it is entirely possible for a filling to fall out or stop fully closing off the hole that it is covering. To prevent this from happening, patients can take the following actions.
Taking good care of the oral cavity is vital to prevent new cavities, but it also helps older fillings. By stopping new decay, patients can avoid vulnerabilities opening up near the filling site, which can cause it to become loose.
Dental fillings are bonded directly with the tooth in which they are installed. However, this bond is not seamless; the filling will always be slightly different from the natural tooth. Therefore, if a patient eats hard, sticky, or chewy foods, there is a chance that they could accidentally dislodge or pull out the filling.
For patients who do not want to completely exclude such foods from their diet, they should at least try to avoid chewing them directly on the filling site. Be gentle, and avoid putting intense pressure against the filling.
A dentist helps keep the oral cavity healthy, which is already important for fillings. However, they also examine fillings during regular cleanings and can identify when a filling might be compromised, loose, or damaged. By addressing the problem before a filling gets lost, the dentist may be able to fix the problem without needing to redo the entire area.
It is true that patients should avoid sticky or hard foods, but being wise with other food and beverage selections is also essential. Supplying the body with the proper nutrients, vitamins, and minerals is great for overall health and supports the teeth.
When the mouth gets the nutrition that it needs to stay healthy, the enamel on the teeth can remain strong to fight against decay that could compromise a filling. Adequate hydration washes away bacteria that can infiltrate around the edges of a filling and widen the gap. Therefore, eating right helps fillings last longer.
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While dental fillings can last a long time, they may eventually need to be replaced. To get the most out of your fillings, be sure to practice good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly. Our dentist can check whether any of your fillings will soon be in need of repair. Contact our office to schedule your appointment!
Request an appointment or call Colony Square Dental Associates at 404-540-9393 for an appointment in our Atlanta office.
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