Dental fillings repair teeth damaged by decay, restoring their shape and function. Over time, however, these fillings can crack or become compromised due to various factors. Understanding what happens when a filling cracks is important for maintaining optimal oral health and addressing potential issues promptly.
Identifying a Cracked Filling
A cracked filling can manifest through several noticeable signs. Individuals might experience sharp pain when biting down, particularly when releasing the bite. Sensitivity to extreme temperatures, such as hot or cold foods and beverages, or even sweet tastes, can also indicate a compromised filling. This sensitivity often arises because the crack allows external stimuli to reach the tooth’s inner layers.
Sometimes, a person might notice a rough edge with their tongue, indicating a physical alteration in the filling. There might also be a subtle feeling that something in the bite feels “off” or different from usual. While less common, a visible crack or a small missing piece of the filling might occasionally be seen, though many cracks are microscopic. A cracked filling might not always present immediate symptoms, underscoring the importance of routine dental check-ups for early detection.
Consequences of a Cracked Filling
Leaving a cracked filling unaddressed can lead to a progression of dental issues. The compromised integrity of the filling creates pathways for oral bacteria to infiltrate the tooth structure. This bacterial ingress can lead to new decay forming underneath the existing filling or deeper within the tooth. Decay can advance, potentially causing significant damage to the tooth’s internal structure.
Continued irritation or advancing decay can inflame the dental pulp, the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth. This condition, known as pulpitis, can result in severe and persistent tooth pain. If the infection spreads and pulpitis becomes irreversible, an abscess can form at the tooth’s root tip, indicating a severe infection requiring urgent attention.
A compromised filling also weakens the tooth’s structural integrity, making it more susceptible to fracturing. This can range from minor chips to extensive tooth fractures that might extend below the gum line. The entire filling might dislodge from the tooth, leaving the exposed tooth vulnerable to further decay and damage. Neglecting a cracked filling increases the risk of more complex and costly dental treatments.
Seeking Professional Care
If a cracked filling is suspected, taking immediate, temporary measures can help manage discomfort. Avoiding chewing on the affected side can prevent further irritation or damage to the tooth. Gentle cleaning around the area is advisable, and over-the-counter pain relievers, if needed, can help alleviate any associated discomfort. These steps are temporary aids until professional care is sought.
Promptly visiting a dentist is important for an accurate diagnosis and to prevent further complications. Dentists identify cracked fillings through a combination of methods. This includes a visual inspection, using a dental explorer to feel for irregularities, and sometimes employing X-rays or specialized dyes that highlight cracks. Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention, which can significantly improve the outcome.
Treatment options vary depending on the crack’s severity and location. For minor cracks, a dentist may repair the existing filling or replace it entirely. If the tooth structure is significantly compromised, a dental crown, which covers the entire tooth, may be necessary to restore its strength and function. If the pulp becomes infected due to the crack, root canal therapy is performed to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth. For irreparable damage, tooth extraction might be the only remaining option.
Common Reasons Fillings Crack
Dental fillings are subject to daily wear and tear from chewing forces, which can lead to their gradual degradation over time. Heavy biting forces, such as those exerted during bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching), can place excessive stress on fillings, increasing the likelihood of cracking. Biting down on hard objects, like ice or hard candies, can also cause sudden damage to a filling.
Traumatic injuries to the mouth, such as falls or impacts, can directly damage dental fillings. The force from such incidents can cause an existing filling to crack or dislodge. Large fillings, especially those that replace a significant portion of the tooth structure, can weaken the remaining tooth. This makes the tooth more prone to fracturing around the filling.
Temperature changes within the mouth, from consuming hot and cold foods, cause dental materials and tooth structure to expand and contract at different rates. Over many years, these differential thermal stresses can contribute to the development of cracks in the filling or the surrounding tooth. The filling material itself can experience fatigue over years of use, leading to a breakdown in its structural integrity and eventual failure.