While a filling is meant to last a long time, no filling is impervious to the passage of time and the pervasive bacteria living in your mouth. Inconsistencies in your daily oral hygiene routine bolster the bacteria and increase their opportunities to attack a filling and the surrounding tooth enamel. While some fillings might give you a warning sign that they are about to fail, like a graying in the enamel or a change in texture, some are simply lost with little to no overt notice.
The larger and older the fillings are, the more likely they are to have the cement holding it in place compromised by the bacteria in your mouth.
If one of your fillings is giving you trouble or if it falls out, you need to call your dentist, Dr. Carolyn Yu, as soon as possible to have it repaired. The compromised tooth enamel could fracture or continue to decay, leading to even more serious complications.
If the filling was small, Dr. Carolyn Yu could repair it by removing a small amount of enamel and cementing a new filling into place.
If it was a large filling or if the decay has simply compromised too much of the enamel layer of the tooth, then Dr. Carolyn Yu might recommend that the tooth be fitted for a dental crown.
If you have recently lost a dental filling in Pinole, California, you should call 510.974.2147 to schedule an appointment at Carolyn L. Yu, DDS.
