If a tooth has more than three fillings, there is a greater risk of the tooth breaking or developing problems with the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth.
In general, adults develop an average of three cavities during their lifetimes. This means that the average adult has three or four fillings in their mouth. Some patients end up with ten or more fillings depending on how well they care for their teeth.
During a routine filling treatment, it's possible for your dentist to overfill your decayed tooth or even place the filling too high and this can result in a great deal of discomfort, sensitivity, and even pain.
So, if you have one dental filling, maybe it's OK. But if you have more than eight dental filings, the potential risk for adverse effect is higher," Yu said. People with numerous dental fillings who are also exposed to mercury from other sources, such as seafood or work environments, are most at risk.
There is no predetermined number of times you can replace dental fillings. Generally, dentists refuse to replace dental fillings if the cavity expands to become too large. Your tooth loses integrity every time you must have the tooth-filling material replaced.
However, most teeth can safely have up to three fillings. If a tooth has more than three fillings, there is a greater risk of the tooth breaking or developing problems with the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth.
Most dentists will not perform more than 4 fillings in one sitting. Technically there is no limit to home many fillings can be given at a time. However, we do not recommend doing more than four at one time.
Here are several factors that may contribute to a high cavity rate: Diet – “Sip all day, get decay.” If you sip, graze or snack on anything sugary throughout the day, your chances of getting cavities increase by quite a bit.
Small fillings are not a concern in this area, however, the larger the filling, the weaker the structure of the tooth becomes. Removing a significant amount of decay and replacing it with a simple filling can weaken your tooth setting you up for greater damage and decay later on.
Ignoring it will do more harm than good inside the mouth. In fact, according to research published in the Journal of Dentistry, a bad or worn out dental filling can increase tooth decay, infection, and mean more fillings will be needed, particularly on neighboring teeth.
Determining If the Filling Is Too High
If you feel some sensitivity, soreness, or pressure on certain sections of the teeth, it's a good indicator of a high filling. Because of the uneven bite caused by the filling, you'll find that many simple tasks become difficult or even downright unpleasant.
Dental fillings are used as a restorative measure in teeth that have been affected by decay or damage. It is a common procedure and most fillings are carried out without any issues, but sometimes dentists may perform the treatment poorly, which can lead to a number of problems as a result.
Fillings can become damaged or loose for a variety of reasons. Fillings are not intended to last forever. The bond that holds the metal or composite resin in place will eventually weaken over time. This process may occur more quickly if patients grind their teeth at night.
Insufficient oral hygiene. The quickest way to welcome cavities is to slack on dental care. Not brushing or flossing regularly, and not using mouthwash or brushing your tongue will leave your teeth vulnerable to decay. Brushing your teeth for less than two minutes each time can also lead to cavities.
The Removal Process
Before removal begins, you will be connected to an alternate air supply so you do not inhale any vapors as the filling is removed. The dentist will use a small tool to break up the existing filling and the suction to remove the vapors and particles from your mouth.
Tooth shape, alignment, and composition.
Teeth with deep grooves in them are more likely to trap foods and develop cavities. Similarly, misaligned teeth may collect food particles and bacteria between them. If your genes have cursed you with thin tooth enamel, you may also be more prone to develop cavities.
Once you have more filling material than natural tooth material your tooth no longer holds enough strength. In this instance, you might need an inlay, onlay, or dental crown to protect your tooth. You might also need a restoration instead of filling replacement if your tooth has several fillings in the same tooth.
Not always. On occasion, after the placement of a restoration, a tooth can become non-vital and require root canal treatment. Every time a filling is placed or replaced, there is trauma to the pulp (nerve and blood supply). It can be a combination of many things that will cause this trauma.
If the seal between the filling and tooth enamel breaks down, decay-causing bacteria and food particles can get under the filling. These bacteria are hard to remove easily with a toothbrush. A person will then be at risk of developing additional decay in the tooth.
Causes of Sudden Cavities
Cavities that develop quickly and unexpectedly may be the result of: Sudden Dietary Changes: You might have changed your diet in some way, including drinking more soda, adding more sugar to your coffee, eating more starchy or acidic foods, or consuming more sweets.
People who require multiple fillings often ask how many tooth fillings can be done at once. Technically, there is no limit to the number of filling you can get in one session. However, dentists do not recommend having more than three fillings at a time. Your mouth needs time to heal after the dental fillings procedure.
Some of the most common causes include: not using the right toothpaste, not flossing, brushing too hard, and not brushing your teeth for a long enough time. Oral hygiene plays an integral role in balancing the health of your other body functions, whether you realize it or not.
Depending on the material and how well it is treated, dental fillings can last anywhere from 5 to 30 years. That's quite a range, and the style of filling used largely determines it. A general expectation is about 10 to 15 years with good care, but some fillings may not last even that long.
84% of dentate adults (those with at least one tooth) have a filling. The average number of teeth with fillings is 7.2.
While the majority of cavity fillings stop being sensitive after a day or two, some could take as much as two weeks to feel better. Even then, it may not be a cause for concern. If a cavity was deep or in a location used for heavy chewing, it might take longer to heal.