Broken fillings

Causes:

Broken fillings are due to normal chewing, but are accelerated when patients grind their teeth.
 

Symptoms:

Tooth sensibility when eating hot/cold food or beverages.
 

Complications:

A broken filling allows food and bacteria to penetrate the tooth, which would in turn create a cavity under the existing filling. If not treated, the cavity can move to the pulp and lead to a dental abscess.
 

Treatments:

• Replacement of filling.
• Placing a dental crown.
  An excellent alternative for deep cavity or if the tooth is fractured beyond restoration.
• Root canal treatment and a crown.
  For cases where the cavity or fracture have reached the pulp chamber.

Prevention:

Bi-annual preventive examinations and dental hygiene appointments would permit the dentist to detect and promptly replace broken fillings before they become problematic.