Research into Filling Failure

People who need dental fillings are in good hands at Dr. Eric Meyer’s Fullerton office. For more than twenty-five years, we’ve been repairing peoples’ teeth so that they can chew, speak, and smile again comfortably. But we’re always trying to improve, which is why we wanted to pass along new information about dental filling failure.

A filling will usually last for ten years before the bonding holding it in place cracks and needs to be replaced. The new study looked for common factors among people whose fillings did not even last for five years. It turned out that one of the most reliable predictors was smoking. Alcohol use was a common factor among people whose fillings did not even last for two years.

The researchers also found that risk of premature filling failure was higher for people who had a family history of it and that there are certain genes that may make people predisposed to it. It is especially important for these people to maintain regular appointments so the stability of their fillings can be checked. White resin fillings do not have a higher rate of failure than amalgam fillings, so replacing older fillings can also make a patient’s smile more beautiful.

Eric M. Meyer, DDS, operates at 2720 North Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, California, 92835. To schedule an appointment, call 714-879-7943 or visit Fullerton Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Pain Around Fillings

At Dr. Eric Meyer’s Fullerton dental office, bonding and white fillings have saved countless people’s teeth. When patients suffer from caries, our skilled dentists remove the decayed material and seal over the gap so that bacteria can’t recolonize it. This may cause sensitivity, but discomfort shouldn’t last for more than about two days. If it does, or discomfort returns, the patient should schedule an appointment right away.

A poorly-made filling may be “high,” which means it is misshapen in a way that causes it to prevent the patient from biting down. It also may not be large enough to fill the gap created by the drilling away of decayed material, which would allow bacteria back in. This typically happens if the filling or sealant was made from a material that shrinks. We don’t expect that to happen at our office, but even the best fillings and bonding will break after about ten years. If an old filling is becoming painful, it could be because the seal is cracking. When this happens, the filling must be replaced. Of course, it is important to replace a filling sooner if it has already come loose, or else more drilling and a larger restoration may be required.

Eric M. Meyer, DDS, operates at 2720 North Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, California, 92835. To schedule an appointment, call 714-879-7943 or visit FullertonDental.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are two procedures that use the tooth structure as a base for restoration. Often called partial crowns, both inlays and onlays strengthen the tooth while restoring its shape and working to prevent further damage. At our office in Fullerton, CA, we use these procedures to repair teeth when decay is too extensive to support a filling but not extensive enough to use a crown.

When there is no damage to the cusps of a tooth, Dr. Eric Meyer uses an inlay for restoration, bonding it right on top of the tooth. Made of porcelain, inlays are both strong and natural-looking, providing an attractive solution to repairing your tooth. Onlays are used when damage is a little more extensive and are used to repair part of the cusp of the tooth.

Inlays and onlays can be created at a lab out of porcelain, gold or composite resin. Fabrication normally takes between two to three weeks, and during that time, you will be provided with temporary restorations while you wait. Once they are ready, they will be cemented in place.

To ensure that your teeth get the best dental care available, schedule an appointment with our office by calling 714.879.7943. For more information, visit www.FullertonDental.com.

Waterlase Technology

Waterlase® dental technology utilizes YSGG laser energy and a water spray to create a more comfortable experience during certain dental procedures. This technology allows Dr. Eric Meyer to use fewer shots and less anesthesia, which provides more comfort and eases patient anxiety while he performs corrective dentistry procedures. Because we always have our patients’ best interest in mind, our office chooses to use Waterlase®.


Waterlase® technology can be used to remove gum tissue, bone and decay in the tooth enamel, which is the hardest substance in the human body. It can do so without affecting surrounding areas, which means that you will be able to keep more of your healthy tooth structure if decay does need to be removed. The technology can also be used for root canals, smile design and bone and gum surgery. When used in preparation for cavity fillings, it can actually result in longer-lasting fillings.


This technology bypasses the pain caused by other dental tools by cutting without the use of heat, pressure or vibration, allowing dentists to cut teeth, gums and bone with less trauma. The benefits of the technology include less post-operative pain, bleeding and swelling. There is also usually less of a need for pain medication, and because it requires less anesthesia, Dr. Meyer can perform the procedures instead of referring you to an outside specialist.


For comfortable dental experience, schedule an appointment with Dr. Chris Meyer by calling 714-879-7943. For more information, visitwww.FullertonDental.com.