Noticing that your dental filling has cracked while biting or chewing something can be alarming. When that happens, the first question you might have is: Can a cracked filling be repaired? Instead of repairing the same filling, dentists usually suggest replacing it with a new one. Keep reading to learn more.
What Causes a Filling to Crack?
Dental fillings can last years, even decades. But they’re not indestructible. Sometimes a filling may crack if there’s too much biting pressure on it. This can happen if you’re chewing or biting into something very hard.
People also get a cracked filling when they try to use their teeth as tools, like for opening a tightly sealed lid. Grinding your teeth at night (bruxism) also increases the risk.
If a filling has lasted years, it may crack eventually because of daily wear and tear.
Symptoms of a Cracked Filling
A filling is meant to protect the inner sensitive part of your tooth. If it cracks or breaks, you’ll experience different symptoms such as:
Sensitivity
It’s typically one of the first things you’ll notice. Your tooth with a filling might feel extra sensitive when there’s a crack, especially if it’s a deep one that reaches close to the pulp.
Pain when biting
Pain in your tooth when you bite down could mean that there’s a problem with your filling. You’ll feel that it worsens when you try to chew something or bite on something hard.
Food getting trapped
Do food particles get stuck in or around the filling when you eat? It could be because your filling is damaged.
Feeling the crack with your tongue
If the crack in your filling is big enough, you may see it directly when you look at your tooth in the mirror. Even if it’s not visible, you might be able to tell it apart when you sweep your tongue over that tooth.
Can a Cracked Filling Be Repaired?
When you visit a dentist for a cracked filling, they will first check the extent of the damage. In many cases, dentists may recommend removing the damaged filling and replacing it with a new one. Your dentist may need to remove a small portion of the affected tooth structure before placing a new filling.
If the crack is so deep that it almost reaches the inner part of your tooth, replacing the filling won’t be enough. A crown may be recommended to cover the entire tooth and provide added protection. Your dentist will consider whether you need a root canal in this situation.
In severe cases, extraction may be necessary.
Final Thoughts
If you hear your filling crack, don’t panic. There is a chance to replace it with a new one, but you need to seek care without delay. If you are experiencing this problem, visit our dentists at Alonso Family Dental immediately. Call us at (281) 778 8400 to schedule your same-day visit.