Loose Fillings

As both a general and cosmetic dental office, we at the South Carthay practice of Dr. Suzanne Haeri are pleased to offer stable, naturally-colored fillings. Unlike the silver amalgam of old, modern fillings are indistinguishable from healthy enamel and won’t trigger a patient’s allergy to metal. But although fillings can stay in place for years, the seal holding them in place does eventually break down. We hope you keep up with regular dental appointments so you can get yours repaired before they become a problem, but since fillings can come loose prematurely, we want our patients to recognize them and seek treatment.

 

After decayed enamel is drilled away, a filling is made by sealing a bit of porcelain or resin into the hole. As the seal breaks down, saliva will get trapped in the cracks, causing the filling to seem to leak. Unfortunately, the same spaces can be occupied by bacteria, where they are safe from the patient’s brushing and can resume causing decay. As the seal continues to break, the filling may come loose and start causing the patient pain and difficulty biting down. If yours has reached this point, don’t hesitate to schedule an emergency appointment. In the meantime, you may be able to reduce your discomfort by applying a topical numbing gel.

 

Once we’ve removed a loose filling, we’ll be able to drill away further decay, if necessary. From there, providing a new filling is usually a simple matter as long as the patient is satisfied with the color of the rest of the dental crown. We shape fillings with tools called burnishers to ensure they won’t get in the way of the patient closing their teeth together. Fillings require the same daily hygiene as normal teeth and they’re a bit more fragile than natural enamel, so patients will have to be especially careful to avoid chewing on ice or anything else extremely hard. But when cared for properly, fillings can last for over a decade.

 

The dental office of Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, California, 90035. To schedule an appointment, call 310-657-2200 or visit our website at Suzanne Haeri DDS.