A majority of individuals have developed at least one cavity in their smiles during their lifetime. They are familiar with the treatment of this dental problem with a filling.
However, they may not realize that it is possible to form a cavity underneath this dental filling if they do not take care of their dental work. Dental professionals refer to this concern as recurrent tooth decay. Dr. Ben Ahlbrecht, a dentist serving patients in Indianapolis, IN, provides further details regarding recurrent decay, its treatment, and prevention tips.
Can I Get a Cavity Underneath a Dental Filling?
A cavity is a form of tooth decay. When your dentist treats this structural problem in your tooth, they cover the resulting hole with a dental filling. This seals the vulnerable area of your tooth, preventing further harm from accruing on the tooth’s surface.
If this filling breaks or becomes loose, the tooth will be vulnerable. It may develop a new cavity if plaque pervades the area and erodes the enamel.
If another cavity forms under the filling, dentists refer to the issue as recurrent decay. They can spot this problem on x-ray imaging taken during a routine dentist appointment.
How Will My Dentist Treat Recurrent Tooth Decay?
Dental professionals will treat recurrent tooth decay similarly to how they would get rid of an initial cavity. First, they will need to access the newly damaged part of the tooth, which means they must remove the prior dental work.
For optimal comfort, the dentist will provide you with a local anesthetic, numbing the affected area. They will then drill away the decay, like with a traditional cavity.
The dentist can use another filling to restore the tooth’s structure after this treatment. If the decay has advanced, they may need to use a dental crown to seal and shield a larger portion of the tooth.
How Can I Prevent Recurrent Decay Formation?
You can prevent the formation of recurrent decay by first lowering your risk of getting cavities. You should practice good oral hygiene to remove plaque from your smile before it can harm the surface of your teeth. This will involve brushing teeth twice each day and flossing daily.
To prevent recurrent decay specifically, you should protect your prior dental work so that the seal of your filling or crown will not break and leave your smile vulnerable to further damage. Avoid biting down on hard items, like fingernails or the end of a pen. The excess pressure from this action could harm your dental work. If you do sustain damage to a dental filling, seek prompt repairs from your dentist.
Get Preventative Dental Care and More in Indianapolis
North Meridian Dental Excellence offers dental fillings and other general dental treatments to patients of all ages. Dr. Ahlbrecht is a highly qualified dentist in Indianapolis, IN who also specializes in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, including tooth replacement solutions. To schedule an appointment with our practice, contact our office by phone at 317.204.7134 or reach a member of our staff online.