Research into Filling Failure

At Chapel Street Dental in New Haven, we apply the latest medical research toward preventive care for our patients. Recently, scientists examined some of the causes of dental filling failure, and we wanted to share them with our readers in order to emphasize the importance of regular check-ups.

Fillings generally last for ten years. Some of the most common factors in people whose fillings failed early were alcohol and tobacco use. The study only examined male smokers, but it found they and people of both sexes who drank alcohol had a higher chanced of filling failure after just two years. The scientists were surprised to find that filling failure also seems to run in families and they speculated about a genetic reason for this.

There was also a lot of positive news. The study found that white resin bonding does not have a higher failure rate than the old amalgam fillings. This is good because white fillings are generally thought to be better looking and to be unaffected by changes in temperature, which some people complain about with metal fillings.

Chapel Street Dental is located at 806 Chapel St, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510. To schedule an appointment, call 203-772-1000 or visit New Haven Dental and fill out a contact form.

 

Retreating Fillings

Fillings are an excellent means of repairing teeth after decay has been removed. At Chapel Street Dental, the ones we offer are colored to match patients’ teeth, making them beautiful as well as functional. But fillings will not last the duration of a person’s life, and we want our patients to know when one needs to be replaced.

Fillings should not make it painful to bite down. A tooth will typically be sensitive immediately after decay has been removed, but this should clear up within two days. If it does not, or if the patient is unable to bite down fully, it is important to return for a follow-up to ascertain whether the filling is high—meaning not filed down enough.

High fillings are a rare occurrence, but even the best-made filling is held in place by bonding that will degrade over time. The expected lifespan of a filling is about ten years. After that, the bonding will begin to crack, and bacteria will be able to enter the cracks and resume causing decay. At this point, the filling will have to be replaced before too much additional tooth material is lost. If an old filling becomes painful again, it’s past time for an appointment.

Chapel Street Dental is located at 806 Chapel St, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510. To schedule an appointment, call 203-772-1000 or visit NewHavenDental.care and fill out a contact form.

 

Fillings

The doctors at Chapel Street Dental apply fillings for patients of all ages to restore damaged teeth and create beautiful smiles.  Receiving a filling is a standard and non-invasive procedure that is typically completed in a short appointment with local anesthetic.  To fill a cavity, the area is numbed before a dentist removes any decay from the affected tooth.  The tooth is then thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the filling material.

Amalgam fillings are made from a mixture of metals that bond together to create a hard, strong filling for a compromised tooth.  Amalgam fillings are a very durable option, and some patients choose to use metal fillings on their back teeth.  Composite fillings perform the same task as metal fillings, and are more aesthetically matched to the look of your natural teeth.  These fillings are typically used on front teeth and surface cavities.  Once the material is placed, it is trimmed and polished to blend right into a patient’s natural smile.

To learn more about fillings and all the services we provide at our practice, visit Newhavendental.care for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Chapel Street Dental in New Haven, CT, call 203-772-1000.