Broken Fillings

Causes:
Broken fillings are due to normal chewing, but are accelerated when patients grind their teeth.

Symptoms:
Tooth sensibility when eating hot/cold food or beverages.

Complications:
A broken filling allows food and bacteria to penetrate the tooth, which would in turn create a cavity under the existing filling. If not treated, the cavity can move to the pulp and lead to a dental abscess.

Treatments:
Replacement of filling.
Placing a dental crown.
An excellent alternative for deep cavity or if the tooth is fractured beyond restoration.
Root canal treatment and a crown.
For cases where the cavity or fracture have reached the pulp chamber.

Prevention:
Bi-annual preventive examinations and dental hygiene appointments would permit the dentist to detect and promptly replace broken fillings before they become problematic.