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Posted on 8/15/2019 by Dr. Jae Seon Kim |
 Imagine that you have discovered that you have a cavity and you have contacted us to have it filled. You come in for your exam and to have your tooth restored and you go back to your normal life only to discover a few years later that you have another cavity, around the filling that you have already received! Believe it or not, this can actually happen. Let us look at why this can happen and what you can do to help prevent it. Repeat Offenders Fillings are the most common and highly effective way to restore a tooth that has been damaged by a cavity. We offer many choices for restoration such as traditional silver fillings, tooth colored composite fillings, inlays, overlays and even crowns. When you get a filling, it is important that you take extra care to prevent future cavities around the filling. Over time, all fillings need to be replaced. Traditional silver fillings last anywhere from 11 to 15 years while tooth colored composite fillings last from 7 to 10 years. Gaps and spaces can develop around fillings, leaving the tooth exposed to bacteria and thus leading to decay. Regular checkups with our staff are a must if you have fillings. At your exam, we will not only clean your teeth, we will thoroughly check your fillings to make sure that none of the edges are loose and ensure that they are fitting properly in your tooth. Brushing your teeth twice daily is another great way to prevent future cavities from forming around your fillings. Continue to avoid high sugary and starchy foods as well, since these both contribute to the weakening of the enamel of your teeth. If you have a filling that you think may need some attention, please do not hesitate to call our office and schedule an appointment. We look forward to working with you. |
