Issues with Fillings

If you’ve ever suffered from tooth decay, you know that fillings give you a second chance to have a healthy, comfortable bite. At Redwood Dental Smiles in Castro Valley, we use materials that are safe for the body and blend in with the patient’s natural teeth. When properly cared for, fillings can last for ten years. But patients should be aware of when something goes wrong and why it matters.


Patients are numbed when their decayed enamel is drilled away, but it is normal for them to feel a bit sore for a few days after a filling is placed. However, if a filling seems to be leaking, what is really happening is that it was not contoured correctly and saliva is getting trapped. This means that decay-causing bacteria could also get trapped, so the filling would need to be redone. The filling would also need to be re-contoured if the patient is unable to close their teeth together fully.


When a filling is near the end of its expected ten-year lifespan, the bonding holding it in may begin to crack. Cracks in the bonding would also be a refuge for bacteria. By getting regular check-ups, patients can ensure that old fillings will be replaced before they create problems. Removing the filling also provides us with a chance to re-examine the health of the tooth. But if a filling comes loose at any time, that should be regarded as an emergency, and it will need to be replaced as soon as possible.


Redwood Dental Smiles is operated by Dr. Vijay Munagala at 20212 Redwood Rd, Suite 101, Castro Valley, California, 64546. To schedule an appointment, visit Redwood Dental Smiles or call 510-886-6416.

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