Recurrent decay is tooth decay that forms under existing fillings and crowns because of leakage around the dental restorations. Constant pressure from chewing or stress from grinding and clenching can cause fillings to crack, chip or wear away. These problems leave gaps and allow bacteria to get under the filling.
Can I Prevent Cavities from Forming Under My Filling? You can prevent cavity formation with proper oral hygiene regimens, including brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing daily. You should also take care of your dental work so that fillings can continue protecting vulnerable parts of your teeth.
When a cavity forms under dental fillings, this is known as recurrent decay. This can happen when fillings and crowns are not properly installed, causing them to leak. Any kind of dental restoration can still leave some of the decay behind, which will spread to the rest of the tooth if not properly sealed.
The answer is yes, it is possible for a tooth that already has a filling to get a cavity. This can happen for a few reasons. First, the filling may not have been placed properly and there may be gaps around the edges of the filling where bacteria can enter.
When fluids leak underneath a filling, staining and decay may develop. Leakage may appear as a dark line around the edge of the filling or a dark area underneath the filling itself. White fillings may turn a darker color over time from smoking, drying out or exposure to high staining foods or drinks.
It's caused by too much fluoride. If the discoloration is around a filling, especially an older one, then it might be a stain migrating from the filling. The metal in the filling can transfer its color to the teeth. It is a good idea to have your dentist check the filling to make sure it does not need to be patched.
Is it normal for my tooth to look black under my crown? It's not supposed to darken. Most of the time, tooth discoloration is caused by bacteria getting in the dental crown. It can also be the result of an inadequate seal on the crown.
Unfortunately, even with a filling in place, your tooth is still susceptible to developing decay underneath the filling. This is known as recurrent decay, and while it might not be as common as primary decay, it can still cause a lot of problems for your smile.
On average, you can expect a metal filling to last for about 15 years before needing to be replaced, but the length of time can vary based on several factors, such as if you grind or clench your teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are made from a mixture of fine glass and plastic particles.
Once bacteria have entered your tooth, it may be too late for a filling because we will need to prevent or treat an existing infection. However, it's never too late for dental care!
If the decay reaches your tooth's main structure, called dentin, then a filling can replace the lost tooth structure after your dentist has cleaned the cavity of bacteria and infection. However, if it reaches the tooth's center chamber, called the pulp, a filling may no longer suffice to address it.
Treatments for tooth decay
A dentist can prescribe fluoride treatments like mouthwash or varnish to reverse early tooth decay. You'll probably need a filling if you have a hole (cavity) in your tooth. If tooth decay has reached the soft tissue (pulp) in the middle of your tooth, you may need root canal treatment.
There is no single number of how many times you can have a filling replaced. Usually, we will stop replacing the dental filling after the hole becomes too large. Once you have more filling material than natural tooth material your tooth no longer holds enough strength.
To determine this, the dentist will usually use an x-ray. It will be up to him or her to know whether the teeth underneath are rotten or has any damage. In some cases, the dentist will be able to notice the infection right away. On the other hand, an in-depth oral examination may be necessary.
If you want to keep your fillings for as long as possible, it's best to follow these simple tips: Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. Brushing and flossing will ensure that your fillings are not eroded away by cavities. Visit your dentist every six months for routine checkups and exams.
Decay most often occurs in your back teeth (molars and premolars). These teeth have lots of grooves, pits and crannies, and multiple roots that can collect food particles. As a result, they're harder to keep clean than your smoother, easy-to-reach front teeth.
The main risk factors for tooth decay are not taking care of your teeth and having too many sugary or starchy foods and drinks. Some people have a higher risk of tooth decay, including people who: Don't have enough saliva, because of medicines, certain diseases, or some cancer treatments. Don't get enough fluoride.
Among children aged 6 to 8 years, over half (52%) have had a cavity in their primary (baby) teeth. Children from low-income families are twice as likely to have untreated cavities as higher-income children. Among adolescents aged 12 to 19, more than half (57%) have had a cavity in their permanent teeth.
There are many signs that your filling may need to be replaced. Some of these include sensitivity to hot or cold food or beverages, an uneven surface, cracking, chipping, or decay around the filling, a broken tooth again, shifting of a tooth's position, or a change in the color of a tooth after it has been filled.
Tooth decay might be caused when plaque is trapped underneath your crown or in the cracks of your teeth. This plaque is easily removed with regular brushing and flossing. If plaque is not removed from these areas, the decay process starts.
A crown is connected to a natural tooth underneath it. Because of this, decay can form around the edges of a crown. The only way to permanently fix a crown with decay around the edges is to remove the old crown, remove the decay, and do a new crown.
You Have Gum Problems
Gum issues could be why your crown fell off, and the tooth is black. Poor oral hygiene and other factors can infect your gums, which leads to much discomfort. Furthermore, your gums might appear black or grayish. Besides this, receding gums can also be why your dental crown falls off.