The doctor warned about the risks of caries development under old fillings
Secondary caries under old fillings often goes unnoticed and leads to serious complications. Sevak Barseghyan, Candidate of Medical Sciences, maxillofacial surgeon, Chief physician of the Estetus Clinic, told Izvestia about this on February 20.
The main problem of secondary caries is its invisibility to the patient. According to Barseghyan, tissue destruction often occurs at the junction of the filling with the tooth due to the formation of microscopic cracks where bacteria enter. One of the reasons for the gaps is the shrinkage of composite materials during solidification.
"Modern composites are slightly reduced in volume when solidified. If the doctor has not compensated for this process technologically, the filling may move slightly away from the tooth walls," Barseghyan explained.
The second reason is natural wear and tear. Any seal is designed for about 5-7 years of service. As the doctor explained, over time, its edges wear off, become uneven, and the tightness is disrupted. The specialist attributes installation errors to additional factors: saliva ingress or incomplete removal of the affected tissues.
In the early stages, pathology can be suspected by darkening of the enamel or the filling material itself. Over time, the tooth begins to react to temperature stimuli and sweets, and bad breath may also appear.
"If pain occurs, it means that the process is already deep. Most likely, the infection has reached the nerve, and a simple replacement of the seal is no longer enough, treatment of the channels will be required," he added.
To detect latent caries in a timely manner, dentists recommend that you undergo checkups every six months and take X-rays. As Barseghyan noted, the image immediately shows a darkening under the material, which cannot be seen with a normal visual inspection.
According to the doctor, the treatment process involves the complete removal of the old structure and thorough cleaning of the cavity with antiseptic treatment. After that, the specialist installs a new seal, observing the sealing rules. In cases of serious damage, it may be necessary to install a crown.
Pavel Lysenkov, a dental therapist and periodontist at SM-Dentistry, said on February 12 that frequent use of whitening pastes can cause the development of hyperesthesia, in which teeth react acutely to cold or hot food. The doctor also added that the choice of oral care products should be individual.
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