Leaky Fillings
Question:
My dentist says that I have leaky fillings.
What does that mean?
Answer:
Leaky fillings refers to fillings that have maybe
aged and a gap has formed between the tooth and the filling, allowing
decay to seep in. It can be difficult, especially for silver
amalgam fillings, for a dentist to
tell if there is decay under the filling. The dentist will usually check
the margins of the fillings, and if there are openings between the filling
and the tooth, or corrosion, will recommend replacing it.
White fillings
are bonded to the tooth, meaning that there is no gap between it and the
tooth. If they are done right and that bond is strong, it can be difficult
or impossible for decay to seep in around the edges. Also, with white
fillings it is easier to tell if new decay is starting to form at the edge
or underneath it because it will become discolored.
—Dr. Hall
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