Why was there a wait for fillings at the dentist?
They were only doing one patient with a drill per day right at the end so they could properly clean afterwards. They had very strict procedures. It meant that there was quite a wait for some people to get their fillings done. This is page 1 of 1 (This thread has 14 messages.)
Is MyMy dentist private and do fillings?
My Dentist is Private and doing fillings. I had a filling about 4 weeks ago. It’s not cheapest options. In the end I had private extraction for £150 I’ve had a crown done (privately). They were only doing one patient with a drill per day right at the end so they could properly clean afterwards. They had very strict procedures.
When should a dental filling be replaced?
And clenching the jaw or nighttime teeth grinding (called bruxism) will wear on most types of dental filling materials. All of these things can contribute to the dentist replacing a dental filling, regardless of its age. The options for dental fillings range not only in durability but in price and appearance, too.
What happens if you go to the wrong dentist?
The wrong dentist can wreak havoc on your mouth and do permanent damage with too much work you don’t need. So, how do you differentiate between the two? This is my advice on how to find an honest and ethical dental practice that will be your partner in health for a lifetime.
How do I know if my dentist messed up my filling?
Possible signs of poor dental fillingsunshaped or un-smoothed fillings, that may extend beyond the edge of the tooth creating an “overhang”;very large fillings, which can indicate that a crown should have instead been used to restore the tooth;More items...
Can a dentist miss a filling?
The failure by a dentist to adequately carry out a filling can lead to ongoing tooth aches and pain. Whilst most people may experience some ache after having a tooth filled, tooth ache which last several weeks may be the sign of a poor dental filling.
Why would a dentist not fill a cavity?
Dental Procedures Lessen the Integrity of Teeth When a cavity is filled, it weakens the tooth. There's more possibility for damage because the filling can fall out, crack, or there can be a small opening between the filling and tooth that can could lead to decay and then a root canal.
Why do fillings fail?
Some fillings can fall out if the tooth begins to decay further, and the decay can reach behind or beyond the original perimeter of the filling. Grinding and clenching. Your teeth can withstand a tremendous amount of force from biting, but fillings, while strong, cannot take the same amount of stress.
Can a dentist overlook a cavity?
First, a cavity can only be seen on an x-ray once it has dissolved 20-30% of the tooth structure so it may not have been obvious last visit. And cavities can grow fast on some patients! Second, some teeth have rotations and malalignments that cause cavities to be very elusive from standard x-ray positions.
Can I wait 6 months to fill a cavity?
Every Cavity Is Different Some people have softer tooth enamel than others, making it easier for bacteria or acid to penetrate the tooth. On average, as a broad timeline, it can take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity needs treatment.
Can dentists lie about cavities?
A cavity is a cavity and there should be no difference between two dentists, right? The answer is not always. Unfortunately, a cavity can be deceptive. It can hide and be obscured by old fillings, location, or just not be obvious by eye or X-ray.
Why do dentists drill before filling?
When dentists drill into teeth, they are shaping an opening. This is to ensure all of the rot in the dentin is removed entirely. Another reason for drilling is to create a shape for the filling to bond and fill the cavity completely. Fillings can be either a silver/mercury amalgam or they can be plastic.
What happens if a tooth Cannot be filled?
What happens if you don't get a filling? When decay damages a tooth, the destruction to the enamel is irreversible. If the cavity is left untreated, the decay can spread and worsen, destroying healthy parts of the tooth.
How many times can filling be replaced?
It may last a lifetime or need to be replaced in a few years. On average, a filling should last a decade or more. Some dentists offer warranties around 1 to 2 years on new fillings, provided that you have checkups every 6 months and take good care of your teeth at home.
What does a failed filling look like?
Discoloration near the filling – If you see that the area around your filling has a gray, discolored appearance, this is a sure sign that your filing has failed. This discoloration is likely caused by tooth decay. As bacteria eat away at the area, the tooth may continue to become more and more discolored.
How often do fillings fail?
On average, you can expect a metal filling to last for about 15 years before needing to be replaced, but the length of time can vary based on several factors, such as if you grind or clench your teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are made from a mixture of fine glass and plastic particles.
Why is it important to get a damaged filling treated?
It's important to get a damaged filling treated right away to prevent the bacteria from doing additional damage, such as affecting the nerve. Symptoms of a damaged filling in more advanced states include sharp pain when chewing or intense sensitivity to heat or cold.
Why do you need a mouth guard for fillings?
Beware of bad dental habits, such as clenching or grinding your teeth. Your dentist might recommend a mouth guard to help prevent damage to your fillings, as well as protect your healthy teeth and jaw. Don't wait until a filling hurts to start taking care of it.
What happens if a filling chips?
If a filling chips, cracks or begins to separate from the tooth, decay-causing bacteria can get trapped between the filling and the tooth. This kind of bacteria can't be cleaned away with regular brushing and flossing.
How long do gold fillings last?
Some materials are more durable than others, but none are considered permanent. Both gold and amalgam fillings can last up to 20 years in the right circumstances.
Can you get cavities without a filling?
It would be hard to make it through adulthood without at least one dental filling. It's normal to get cavities over time from a number of causes, such sugary foods and drinks, lack of fluoride, or poor dental hygiene. Fillings help replace tooth structure lost to decay.
Can a dentist mess up a filling?
No, it is quite uncommon for a dentist to mess up a filling. Although it may happen, it is quite unlikely.
Why would I need a filling?
Fillings are commonly used to restore teeth after decay has been removed. They may also be required to repair teeth that have been fractured or chipped. When a dentist detects tooth decay, a filling may be the most appropriate treatment to prevent further tooth damage.
Why would a tooth hurt after a filling?
Teeth may feel hot, cold, or pressure sensitive after a filling, which is totally normal and known as sensitivity. When a tooth is drilled and repaired, the nerve might get disturbed, resulting in sensitivity that can linger for days or weeks.
Possible signs of poor dental fillings
It is difficult to identify whether or not you have received a substandard dental filling until you have been evaluated by a dental practitioner who may be able to confirm the same.
What problems do poor fillings cause?
A dentist’s failure to properly fill a tooth might result in long-term dental pain. While most individuals have some pain after having a tooth filled, toothache that lasts more than a week might indicate a problem with the filling.
Problems With Dental Fillings
Pain around fillings can be caused by a variety of factors, each of which has a different aetiology.
Common cavity filling problems and how to identify them
A cavity filling can go wrong for a variety of reasons, despite its simplicity. In most cases, poor dental care is to blame for any of the following.
What causes tooth fillings to loosen?
Trauma to the affected tooth — accidents, trauma, and facial injuries can loosen dental restorations, including fillings.
How long do tooth fillings last?
Composite fillings (tooth-colored) can last at least 5 years and up to 15 years with proper care. Glass ionomer fillings (another tooth-colored filling) can last up to 5 years. Silver and gold fillings last the longest, up to 30 years.
What is a cavity filling?
Cavity fillings, also called dental fillings or tooth fillings, are dental restorations that restore minor to moderate cavities in teeth. Fillings can be tooth-colored, gold, or silver.
What are some examples of dental emergencies?
Some examples of dental emergencies include broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, extreme toothaches, dental abscesses, and ongoing gum bleeding.
What happens if a filling falls out?
When a filling falls out, you may experience pain and sensitivity around the affected tooth. The tooth tissues under the lost filling will be exposed to air, pressure, cold, and heat. This can be uncomfortable and will likely make eating, drinking, and chewing difficult.
What to do after disinfecting mouth?
After disinfecting your mouth, apply a temporary filling (dental cement) onto the tooth. Your dentist will remove this temporary solution before applying the new filling.
What to take for a toothache?
Take over-the-counter pain medication if the tooth is causing any discomfort, such as Ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Do not take more than the recommended daily dosage.
What is filling cavity?
Filling the cavity – Tooth-colored material will be applied in layers. A special light will be applied to harden the filling. Shape the filling – The filling will be shaped and smoothed to ensure proper bite (the way your upper and lower teeth fit together when you chew).
Why do you have to remove decay?
Remove decay – Decay and debris in your teeth have to be completely removed to prevent it from spreading, causing an infection, and increasing the sensitivity and pain.
What do dentists do before they come to the office?
Before a patient first comes to a dental office, a member of the office staff will contact their dental insurance company to find out what’s covered under the dental plan. So before you walk in the room, a dentist has a list of everything he can bill for during your dental visit.
Who is in the know about dental procedures?
In dentistry, the only people “in the know” are you (who presumably is not an expert), the staff who work directly for the dentist, and the dentist him or herself.
What is a good dentist?
A good dentist is your partner in health who works with you to optimize your well-being and prevent disease. The right dental health partner for you is the dentist who is wholly concerned with your overall health and not the health of her pocketbook. The wrong dentist can wreak havoc on your mouth and do permanent damage with too much work you ...
How does dental care work?
The reality of how dental care works is that it’s up to the patient and the insurance company to make sure the right treatment plan is prescribed and implemented. With lower “dental IQ” than dental staff and providers, both you and your insurance company aren’t in a great place to make sure everything is above board.
Why is it important to choose a dentist?
The right dentist understands the mouth-body connection and enables you to have a healthier, longer life by maximizing your oral health.
What does it mean to get a root canal approved?
Plus, a root canal approval means you’re automatically approved for a crown. In other words, recommending a root canal is an easy way to bill for the big-ticket crown…Even if the root canal isn’t the only viable option and a dental filling might do.
Where do referrals come from?
The best referrals come from friends, family, and co-workers that have had procedures other than teeth cleanings at the dentist.
