If my tooth doesn’t hurt and my filling is still in place, why would the filling need to be replaced?

If my tooth doesn’t hurt and my filling is still in place, why would the filling need to be replaced?
Constant pressure from chewing, grinding or clenching can cause dental fillings, or restorations, to wear
away, chip or crack. Although you may not be able to tell that your filling is wearing down, your dentist can
identify weaknesses in your restorations during a regular check-up. If the seal between the tooth enamel
and the restoration breaks down, food particles and decay-causing bacteria can work their way under the
restoration. You then run the risk of developing additional decay in that tooth. Decay that is left untreated
can progress to infect the dental pulp and may cause an abscess. If the restoration is large or the recurrent
decay is extensive, there may not be enough tooth structure remaining to support a replacement filling. In
these cases, your dentist may need to replace the filling with a crown.
Are dental amalgams safe?
Yes. Dental amalgam has been used in tooth restorations worldwide for more than 100 years. Studies
have failed to find any link between amalgam restorations and any medical disorder. Amalgam continues
to be a safe restorative material for dental patients. Only a very small number of people are allergic to
amalgam fillings. Fewer than 100 cases have ever been reported. In these rare instances, mercury may
trigger an allergic response. Symptoms of amalgam allergy are very similar to a typical skin allergy.
Often patients who are truly allergic to amalgam have a medical or family history of allergies to metals. If
there is a confirmed allergy, another restorative material will be used.
Is there a filling material that matches tooth color?
Yes. Composite resins are tooth-colored, plastic materials (made of resin) that are used both as fillings and
to repair defects in the teeth. Because they are tooth-colored, it is difficult to distinguish them from natural
teeth. Composites are often used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important. They can be
used on the back teeth as well depending on the location and extent of the tooth decay. Composite resins
are usually more costly than amalgam fillings.

Call at 661-253-3030, CinemaDentalCare and ask Free Whitening Promotion.

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