Old Dental Restorations Can Hide Things

Dr. George explains that old dental restorations will contract and expand because of temperature changes and just plain old age. When this happens, fillings crack and leak allowing food debris and bacteria to eat away at the healthy tooth. So essentially yes, you can develop new cavities in a tooth that has previously been filled.

How to Prevent Decay 

Of course, good oral hygiene including twice daily brushing and flossing once a day will keep your teeth and gums healthy. However, your teeth need to be checked out by your Delray Beach dentist at least twice a year. If you have soft enamel or other issues, Dr. George recommends three or four dental checkups each year to prevent additional problems.

Why Checkups Prevent Further Decay

Cavities and gum disease will get worse; there is no doubt about it. According to Dr. George, leaving a decayed tooth and bleeding gums to their own devices will cost you more time and money.

Small cavities are repaired with a simple tooth colored filling. However, dental caries that are not treated will become bigger and deeper. Sadly, untreated cavities and dental caries develop into deep decay requiring more intrusive treatments such as root canal therapy or extraction. 

Schedule a Dental Restorations Checkup

If you have old restorations that haven’t been checked lately, call and schedule an appointment with Dr. George today. A dental checkup makes all the difference in the world and could actually save a tooth. Call and schedule yours today.

The post Don’t Be So Proud of your Old Dental Restorations appeared first on Dr. George Dental - George Sanchez DDS.