Deep Dental Restorations and their risks
A deep dental restoration, also known as a deep filling, is a dental procedure that involves removing decayed or damaged tooth material and filling the cavity with a dental material such as composite resin or porcelain. While this procedure is common and effective in treating cavities, it may pose some issues if the decay has reached close to the nerve of the tooth.
If the decay has reached close to the nerve of the tooth, the dentist may need to remove more of the tooth structure to completely clean out the decay. In such cases, the deep restoration may become too close to the nerve or even expose it, leading to sensitivity and pain in the affected tooth. In some cases, the tooth may become infected, requiring further treatment such as root canal therapy or even extraction.
Another issue with deep dental restorations is the possibility of the restoration failing or breaking over time due to the weakened tooth structure. This may require replacement of the restoration or even more extensive treatment such as a crown or a root canal.
Therefore, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene, attend regular dental check-ups, and have cavities treated promptly before they become too deep, in order to avoid potential issues with deep dental restorations.
Risks of having a deep dental restoration placed
When a deep dental restoration reaches the nerve of a tooth, it can cause a number of issues. The nerve of a tooth, also known as the pulp, contains sensitive tissues and blood vessels that help keep the tooth healthy. If the nerve is damaged or exposed during a deep restoration procedure, it can cause the following:
Pain and sensitivity: The tooth may become sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, sweet foods, or even when biting down. This can be a result of the nerve being exposed or inflamed.
Infection: Bacteria can enter the tooth through the exposed nerve and cause an infection. This can lead to a dental abscess, which is a painful collection of pus that forms at the base of the tooth.
Tooth discoloration: If the nerve is damaged, the tooth may become discolored, turning grey or black in color.
Nerve death: In some cases, the nerve may die as a result of the damage caused by the deep restoration. This can lead to further complications and may require more extensive treatment such as root canal therapy.
If you experience any of these symptoms after a deep dental restoration, it is important to contact your dentist as soon as possible. They can assess the situation and recommend appropriate treatment to address the issue and prevent further complications.
What is a root canal treatment?
A root canal treatment is a dental procedure that is performed to save a tooth that has become infected or damaged within the pulp or nerve of the tooth. During the procedure, the dentist or endodontist removes the infected or damaged pulp tissue from the inside of the tooth and then cleans and disinfects the root canals (tiny channels in the tooth that contain the pulp) to prevent further infection or damage.
After cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, the dentist fills them with a biocompatible material and seals the tooth with a filling or crown. The goal of a root canal treatment is to remove the infection and prevent further damage to the tooth, while also preserving the natural tooth structure and function.
Root canal treatments are typically recommended when a tooth is severely decayed, cracked, or damaged, and the pulp or nerve of the tooth has become infected or inflamed. Symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal treatment include severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling or tenderness around the tooth, and discoloration of the tooth.
While root canal treatments have a reputation for being painful, modern techniques and anesthesia make the procedure no more uncomfortable than a routine filling. With proper care and maintenance, a tooth that has had a root canal treatment can last for many years, providing function and aesthetics that are similar to a natural tooth.
Signs and Symptoms of a Toothache
Pain: A toothache often causes a sharp or throbbing pain in or around a tooth or the jaw. The pain may be constant or come and go.
Sensitivity: The tooth may be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures or sweet foods.
Swelling: The area around the tooth may become swollen and tender to the touch.
Redness: The gum tissue around the affected tooth may appear red or inflamed.
Bad taste or odor: A toothache can sometimes cause a bad taste in the mouth or bad breath.
These are just some of the common signs and symptoms of a toothache. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see a dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.