Why Large Fillings Are More Dangerous Than Small Fillings

Finding out that you have a cavity is not the end of the world, actually it’s a very common experience. To repair a cavity, we remove the decay in the tooth and replace it with a filling. This is a material that will fill the exposed tooth and protect it from further decay.

However, there is a difference between a small filling and a large one and you should be aware of the dangers of getting a large filling.

Why Size Matters

Any kind of a filling involves removing the decay that has affected the tooth. This can cause weakening of the tooth. Small fillings are not a concern in this area, however, the larger the filling, the weaker the structure of the tooth becomes.

Removing a significant amount of decay and replacing it with a simple filling can weaken your tooth setting you up for greater damage and decay later on. Any sized filling can compromise the integrity of the structure of your tooth, but the larger the filling, the bigger the compromise.

Because a large filling compromises the integrity of the tooth, it may crack or break when pressure is applied. As a whole, teeth are strong and can withstand pressure and use, but when they’ve been compromised, they can become brittle and break easily. Small fillings rarely pose a risk to the integrity of the tooth, but if you need a large filling, your risk will increase.

This is why if you have a larger area of decay on a tooth, we’ll likely recommend that you get a crown instead of a large filling. A crown will completely cover the exposed area of the tooth and will reinforce its strength greatly diminishing your risk for breaking or losing the damaged tooth.

Call our office with any questions and when you schedule your next cleaning, we can look at any fillings you may have that you’re concerned about.

How to Make Sure Your Veneers Look as Natural as Possible

Dental veneers are a cosmetic procedure that can create an even smile due to imperfections such as cracked teeth. The procedure should be completed by a professional in order for the veneers to provide you with a natural-looking smile.

It takes precision and an eye for detail to ensure that your veneers are applied correctly and look best with your facial structure and existing teeth. By working with an experienced veneer specialist, you can ensure your smile will be natural instead of fake or unflattering.

Dental Veneer Problems

To be able to ensure you choose the right person for the job, it is best to understand how veneers can be applied in the wrong way. For example, bulky veneers will look artificial and people will be able to tell that your smile is not natural. Ask for photographs of other patients veneers to see the work completed by the professional.

Veneers that are a poor fit will lead to gum line issues as well as red coloring and irritation. Bleeding can occur which can stain the veneers at the edges which makes for an unnatural appearance. With a poor fit, you can experience infection as well as decay, which leads to another set of problems. It is important to ensure that your new veneers will be placed properly so that no issues like this happen in the future.

Often times, veneers are placed on the natural teeth that are too long. This can be unflattering and create a ‘horsey’ like appearance. Long veneers also lead to bite issues and gum irritation. There can also be a problem when veneers are not long enough. When veneers are too short, the individual may appear as they are older than they actually are, as teeth have a worn away appearance.

From the color and translucency to size and fit, everything must be considered in order to ensure veneers are fitted properly and look good for the patient. If you are considering veneers, give us a call today for a natural looking approach to cosmetic dental needs.