How do you know if you have a cavity under a filling?

An instrument called an explorer will be used to detect worn spots around the edge of the fillings. 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.

Is it possible to get a cavity under a filling?

If you do not take proper care of your teeth, the dental filling can wear down and break the seal, allowing for the possibility of cavity formation under the filling. This is what dentists refer to as recurrent decay.

What are the signs you might have a cavity forming underneath your filling?

Can you feel a cavity with your finger?

A noticeable cavity will probably look like a dark spot or hole on your tooth. If the cavity has become very large, you may even be able to feel the hole with your tongue or finger. See your dentist right away before that filling turns into a root canal and crown procedure.

Can a tooth be filled twice?

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.

Can I get a cavity under dental fillings?

What happens when you get a cavity on a filling?

Your jaw remains open for an extended period of time, so fatigued jaw muscles are very common. In addition, the process of having a cavity filled involves drilling into a tooth. This drilling can easily irritate the nerve of the tooth, which can result in enhanced sensitivity following the procedure.

Why is my tooth black under my filling?

Fillings and crowns that contain amalgam, particularly silver sulfide, can cause teeth to appear black in color. Staining. Eating and drinking dark-colored food products, such as tea and cola, can stain teeth.

Why does my filling hurt?

Usually, the tooth's outer layers — the enamel and cementum — protect the nerve from exposure. But fillings, especially deep ones, can get close to the nerve endings and cause irritation and uncomfortable sensations. As the nerve heals, the sensitivity will go away. This may take a few days or weeks.

How do you know if your filling is infected?

How does decay get under fillings?

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.

How long do white fillings last?

White fillings don't last as long as silver fillings, and on average sustain for about 7-10 years. Nonetheless, they're still an incredibly strong, successful treatment for most cavities.

Does a black spot on tooth mean cavity?

Cavity, or tooth decay: Perhaps the most common cause for a black spot on your molar teeth is tooth decay, or a cavity. A cavity forms when the build-up of plaque, which contains acids, is allowed to erode the surface enamel of a tooth. A hole in the tooth's protective layer sometimes shows as a black dot.

Can an xray show a cavity under a crown?

Usually there is metal underneath the porcelain or the crown is made entirely of metal. This metal makes it impossible for the tooth structure inside of the crown to be seen on a radiograph (x ray).

Is it normal for a tooth to turn black under a crown?

If the teeth under the crown are discolored or blackened, it can indicate a range of dental problems. It usually means that bacteria have invaded the crown's surface because it is not well sealed or has minor or severe damage that needs to be fixed and repaired as soon as possible.

How long do cavity fillings last?

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.

Can a cavity get worse after a filling?

When a cavity reaches close to the tooth's nerve, a deep filling is required, and you may experience severe tooth pain afterward. This happens because a deep filling can irritate the nerve inside the tooth.

Does getting a cavity removed hurt?

No. Your dentist will numb the area and use a numbing gel before injecting a local anesthetic known as Lidocaine. You may feel a bit of a sting, but that's a reaction from the local anesthetic when it starts to block the nerve signals to stop the pain.

How do I know if I have a cavity under my crown?

With regular dental check-ups, your dentist will be able to perform an x-ray of your teeth to determine whether there is any damage or decay underneath your crown. In some cases, the dentist may need to conduct a more in-depth oral examination to identify whether there is a cavity.

Why do I feel pressure on my crown?

What causes tooth crown pain? Infection – patients who have dental crown procedures that have also not previously undergone a root canal, means that their tooth still has roots. If a crown is applied incorrectly or is the wrong size, it can put pressure on the nerve and roots of the tooth, which can lead to infection.

Can decay under a crown be fixed?

Fixing a Cavity Under a Dental Crown

If a cavity is along the margin of a dental crown and does not go very deep into the tooth, it might be able to be fixed with normal dental filling material. In most other cases, the dental crown probably will need to be removed, the cavity filled, and a new crown placed on top.

Can brushing get rid of cavities?

Fortunately, the beginning stages of a cavity can be reversed by taking steps toward good oral hygiene. During early demineralization, exposure to fluoride, daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleanings can all help prevent — or even reverse — tooth decay.

What does early stages of tooth decay look like?

Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold. Visible holes or pits in your teeth. Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth. Pain when you bite down.

Can I wait 6 months to fill a cavity?

Some people have softer tooth enamel than others, which makes it easier for bacteria or acid to penetrate the tooth. As a broad timeline, on average, it can take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity needs treatment. The conditions of your mouth change daily.

How do you know when a filling needs replacing?

What does a leaking filling taste like?

One of the most likely causes of a metal taste in the mouth is a loose filling. An old filling made of metal can become loose and you will have a metallic taste in your mouth. It is important to have this taken care of as soon as possible.