What is a Leaky Filling?
October 10, 2024 9:00 amFillings are meant to repair cavities and protect your teeth, but sometimes they don’t stay in perfect shape forever. Over time, fillings can start to wear down, crack, or shift slightly, creating gaps between the filling and the tooth structure. This is what’s known as a leaky filling. It might not sound like a big deal, but if left untreated, it can cause some serious dental issues.
How Do Fillings Become Leaky?
A leaky filling usually happens due to normal wear and tear over the years. Chewing, grinding your teeth, or even changes in temperature from hot and cold foods can cause fillings to expand and contract. Eventually, this can lead to tiny gaps around the edges of the filling. In other cases, a filling can become loose due to decay forming underneath it.
Why Are Leaky Fillings a Problem?
Leaky fillings allow bacteria, food particles, and saliva to seep into these small gaps, which can cause new decay. Because the damage happens underneath the filling, it’s often not visible until it’s already progressed. This hidden decay can lead to tooth sensitivity, pain, and even infections. In some cases, a root canal or a crown may be needed if the issue isn’t addressed quickly.
How Do You Know If You Have a Leaky Filling?
Common signs of a leaky filling include tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, discomfort when chewing, or noticing changes in the way the tooth feels. Regular dental checkups are key to catching these problems early—before they turn into bigger issues. However, with X-rays and a thorough examination, your dentist can detect a leaky filling that needs replacing long before you notice any symptoms.
Prevent and Treat Leaky Fillings at Neaville Family Dentistry in Searcy, AR
If you think you might have a leaky filling, don’t wait! At Neaville Family Dentistry in Searcy, AR, Dr. Keith Neaville can evaluate your fillings, repair any damage, and keep your smile healthy. Call us today to schedule an appointment, and let’s ensure your teeth are well-protected!
Categorised in: Restorative Dentistry