The majority of deep fillings can be treated successfully without resulting in sensitivity and do not require root canal treatments.
A large filling can also weaken the tooth and, should this filling fail, it may be the case that the tooth is no longer able to support a cavity and a root canal treatment may be needed as a result or a crown may be needed in order to replace the filling.
2. Deep filling – If the hole is deep and close to the pulp, the dentist has to place a filling which will be very close to the pulp. If the filling is too close to the nerve, it may get infected slowly. Dentists can't predict the time frame for the tooth to become infected.
Gold and composite fillings can last up to 15 years, but this duration is dependent on how well you look after your filling with strong oral hygiene. This also goes for amalgam fillings, which are more delicate and last or up to 5 years.
A good oral hygiene routine is the best way to avoid a root canal. This means flossing, brushing twice daily, and getting a regular dental cleaning. But there's even more you can do to protect your teeth since other dental emergencies, such as tooth fractures, also might require root canals.
It can take as long as five years from the time a cavity begins to develop to when the tooth needs treatment to prevent the cavity from spreading further.
If you've already treated your cavity with a tooth filling, then you may have avoided the need for root canal treatment. However, if the filling fails (falls out, becomes loose, etc.), then your tooth will once again be at risk.
Painful sensitivity to hot or cold that does not dissipate quickly is a possible sign of damage to the nerve within your tooth, and this can be an indicator that you may need a root canal. A Darkened or Discolored Tooth: Has one of your teeth suddenly turned grey or black?
Encountering tooth sensitivity following a dental procedure is common. But if the sensitivity and discomfort continue months after the treatment, you should visit your dentist. There may be a lingering issue that needs immediate treatment.
If you wait to have a root canal, you're only providing that infection more time to gain strength and spread. Infection can spread from the tooth into the bloodstream, and then you have a much more serious issue than a common and routine dental practice.
We can try replacing the filling if the tooth will allow it, or we will need to do additional treatments. For deep fillings that sit upon the root of a tooth, you will probably need a root canal. A root canal is used when the nerve becomes inflamed or infected.
An irritated nerve is not uncommon when a deep filling is placed. Irritated nerves can result in inflammation and can cause pain. Your enamel and cementum usually protect the nerve from exposure, but deep fillings can reach the nerve endings and cause uncomfortable, sharp sensations.
After the completion of a filling, teeth may be hot, cold, or pressure sensitive, which is completely normal and known as pulpitis. Anytime a tooth undergoes the trauma of being drilled and restored, the nerve can become agitated and produce sensitivity that can last for days to weeks.
In the case of a deeper cavity that has reached the pulp or nerve canals, you may notice a bad taste in your mouth. Severe spontaneous pain, pain to pressure, pain that wakes you up at night and pain to hot are often signs of an infected nerve.
Can a deep cavity be filled? Yes, a deep cavity can be filled. The dentist will first remove the decay inside the cavity to prevent further damage to the tooth. The dentist then places the filling into the decayed part to repair the damaged part of the tooth.
If you've had a cavity at some point in the past and gotten it filled, you might think you're in the clear—the tooth is sealed, so nothing bad can happen to it, right? Unfortunately, tooth decay can still happen underneath a filling, especially if the filling has been cracked, worn, or otherwise damaged.
Flossing removes the food particles that stick between your teeth that your toothbrush bristles cannot reach. However, there are concerns about flossing for people who have dental fillings. This is because the movement caused by flossing between teeth might dislodge or damage the filling.
Sometimes, the bacteria in your mouth can work their way into the seam between an old dental filling and the tooth enamel. This can cause sensitivity, general discomfort, or increasing toothache pain. Without treatment, this could result in a severe cavity to within the tooth.
If a dentist drills too deep, he or she might cut through the bottom of the tooth. This can create an infection, swelling, and failure of the procedure. A failed root canal may lead to loss of the tooth, damage to the jaw bone, and gum issues.
Some of the signs of nerve damage after receiving a dental injection may include: A lack of sensation in the area treated even after the anaesthetic should have worn off. Numbness or lack of feeling in the tongue, gums, cheeks, jaw or face. A pulling or tingly sensation in these areas.
Can dental anaesthesia cause nerve damage? Although rare, persistent and sometimes permanent nerve damage can occur after dental injections and anaesthesia. Temporary nerve damage is more common, and it usually improves within a few days or weeks.
In general, adults develop an average of three cavities during their lifetimes. This means that the average adult has three or four fillings in their mouth. Some patients end up with ten or more fillings depending on how well they care for their teeth.
However, dentists do not recommend having more than three fillings at a time. Your mouth needs time to heal after the dental fillings procedure. Therefore, several fillings will make it harder for you to eat during the healing process.