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.

 

Back to School Cleaning

As children go back to school, too many of them will be troubled by tooth aches. The consequences of untreated tooth decay can be devastating for a child’s academic achievement and social development, as well as their health, which is why there’s no better time than now to schedule an appointment with Dr. Meyer’s office.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s most recent study showed that 20% of preteens and 13% of teens have untreated dental decay. Children are the age group most likely to get caries, and decay can delay their speech development and cause them to lose sleep and avoid eating, making them fatigued, irritable, and unable to concentrate. As decay progresses, it causes the gums to become inflamed and bleed and can spread to the pulp of the tooth, at which point it would require a root canal to remove.

Biannual check-ups are intended to help us catch decay before it progresses enough to cause major problems. The less decay is present, the less intrusive a restorative technique is necessary. Dr. Meyer and his associates can also use the check-up as an opportunity to provide the child with sealants, making their teeth more resistant to decay throughout the academic year.

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.

 

Does Your Tooth Still Hurt After a Root Canal?

If you’re still experiencing pain after a root canal, you may be wondering why. Aren’t root canals meant to take your pain away? There are many reasons why your tooth may still be hurting. It is possible that the base of your tooth root (periapical) is still slightly tender or that your pain is caused by a temporary filling that is a bit too high. In these cases, taking OTC painkillers, preferably ibuprofen, may be all you need to alleviate your pain while your root canal heals.

However, if you’ve had a root canal at our practice in Fullerton, CA and are still experiencing pain that is severe or persistent, you should call our office immediately. The dentist may need to prescribe you an antibiotic to make sure the infection does not remain, or he may need to perform retreatment.

At your follow-up appointment, Dr. Eric Meyer will want to know what type of pain you are experiencing. Is your tooth sensitive to hot and cold? Is it the tooth root that is sensitive or the gums that are over the tooth? Is it a constant ache, or does it only hurt when biting? Is there any swelling, drainage or pus? The answers to these questions will give Dr. Meyer the information he needs to diagnose your pain.

Root canals don’t always work, and there are many reasons for this, including fractures of the root, convoluted or twisted root structures and failure to protect the root canal after the procedure. If this occurs, you may need further treatment. If the root canal was successful, it should feel normal most of the time.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Meyer in Fullerton, CA, call 714.879.7943. For more information about the dentist and his services, visitwww.fullertondental.com.