What Can Happen When Replacing An Old Metal Filling
Do you have a metal filling in a tooth that needs to be replaced because it is damaged? If so, it helps to know all of the potential things that can happen when replacing it.
The Replacement Goes Perfectly
In an ideal situation, there will be no complications when removing your old metal filling. This is more likely to happen when the filling is small and in the center of the tooth or does not go very deep. The dentist will be able to remove all of the metal filling material, keep the tooth intact, and replace the metal filling with a new one made out of resin material. Not only will the tooth be saved and protected, but it will look much better as well.
The Tooth Has Decay Under The Filling
A metal filling with a crack in it can cause bacteria to get underneath the filling. When the dentist removes the filling, they may discover that there is decay underneath the filling and the cavity is much deeper than they thought it was. Hopefully, the dentist can remove the day and put a deeper filling into the tooth during the filling replacement process.
The Tooth Requires A Root Canal
If the decay extends into the pulp of the tooth, then the dentist will need to perform a root canal in order to save the tooth. You'll likely know that this is a possibility if the tooth is causing you pain and the pain is the main reason for having the filling replaced. It's very possible that the dentist will perform a root canal the same day so that the tooth is protected.
The Walls Of The Tooth Break Apart
If the filling is very close to an outer wall of the tooth, it is possible that the wall of the tooth breaks off when removing the metal filling. Fixing this problem may not be a problem at all though, since it is quite common. If the pulp of the tooth is not exposed, your dentist can repair it by using dental bonding material. The dentist will essentially try to recreate that wall of the tooth so that you are not losing the chewing surface.
The Tooth Requires A Crown
Even if the filling replacement goes smoothly, it may not last for very long. Your dentist may recommend a crown to cover the tooth and prevent a root canal from being necessary. It will be much cheaper in the long run to put a crown on the tooth now, rather than when the tooth breaks and requires it later.