Dental fillings are designed to restore teeth affected by decay or damage. While these restorations are made to be durable and withstand daily chewing forces, they are not indestructible. Fillings can indeed crack over time or due to specific incidents, potentially leading to discomfort and further dental issues if not addressed. Understanding the factors that contribute to this damage and recognizing the signs can help maintain oral health.
Common Causes of Cracking
Several factors can contribute to a dental filling cracking. Biting down on hard foods like ice, hard candy, nuts, or even unpopped popcorn kernels can exert significant pressure, leading to fractures in the filling. Habits such as teeth grinding or clenching, known as bruxism, also place continuous and excessive stress on fillings, increasing their susceptibility to cracks.
Rapid temperature changes in the mouth, such as consuming hot beverages followed immediately by cold drinks, can cause filling materials to expand and contract. This thermal stress can weaken the bond between the filling and the tooth, or directly cause cracks within the filling itself. The age of the filling material also plays a role, as older fillings can naturally degrade and become more prone to cracking. Physical trauma or injury to the mouth can also result in a cracked filling.
How to Identify a Cracked Filling
Identifying a cracked filling often involves noticing specific signs and symptoms. A common indicator is sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or to sugary foods and drinks. Pain when chewing or biting down, especially a sharp pain upon releasing the bite, is another frequent symptom. Some individuals might feel a rough or sharp edge with their tongue, or even detect a visible crack, hole, or missing piece of the filling.
Sometimes, a cracked filling may not cause immediate pain, making regular dental check-ups important for early detection. During an examination, a dentist can visually inspect the filling, use a dental explorer to detect irregularities, or employ diagnostic tools like transillumination to reveal cracks. X-rays may also be used to assess the extent of damage or identify underlying issues.
What to Do About a Cracked Filling
If a cracked filling is suspected, contacting a dentist promptly is advisable, even if there is no immediate pain. Delaying treatment can lead to increased pain, further decay, or infection, as the compromised filling can allow bacteria to enter the tooth. Until a dental appointment, it is advisable to avoid chewing on the affected side of the mouth to prevent additional stress on the tooth. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including gently rinsing with warm salt water, can help cleanse the area and reduce the risk of bacterial buildup.
A cracked filling requires professional dental attention and cannot be effectively fixed at home. The treatment approach depends on the extent of the damage. For minor cracks, the dentist might be able to repair or replace the existing filling. If the crack is more extensive or the tooth structure is significantly compromised, a dental crown, which caps the entire tooth, may be necessary to provide protection and strength. In severe cases where the crack extends to the tooth’s pulp, a root canal procedure might be required, followed by a crown.
Preventing Filling Damage
To minimize the risk of future filling damage, several preventative measures can be adopted. Avoiding habits that put excessive pressure on teeth is important, such as chewing on ice, hard candies, nuts, or non-food items like pens or fingernails. For individuals who grind or clench their teeth (bruxism), wearing a custom-fitted nightguard can protect both natural teeth and fillings from the grinding forces during sleep.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for the longevity of fillings. Regular brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and daily flossing helps remove plaque and food particles, preventing new decay around fillings. Routine dental check-ups and professional cleanings are essential, allowing a dentist to monitor the condition of existing fillings, identify early signs of wear or damage, and address them before they escalate. Promptly communicating any discomfort or changes in a filling to the dentist allows for timely intervention and helps preserve the restoration.