What Is a Leaky Filling?

Cavities are one of the most common oral health issues that often require dental treatment to remedy. The most utilized treatment for cavities is a dental filling. There are a variety of available dental fillings made from a range of materials.

What Is a Leaky Filling?

A leaky filling is when the filling lifts off of the tooth, compromising the tight seal a filling is supposed to have to the tooth. Leaky fillings have small separations between the tooth and the filling. Over time, saliva, food debris, and bacteria can collect under the filling. This can increase your risk of sensitivity, decay, and infection.

Common Signs of a Leaky Filling

Wondering if you have a compromised filling? Notify our team if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
• Noticeable hole under filling
• Pain when eating or biting down
• Jaw pain near a tooth with a filling
• Bad breath

Treatment for Leaky Fillings

If you suspect you have a filling that needs repair, the best thing to do is to seek dental treatment as soon as possible. Most dentists will go ahead and replace your filling to prevent bacteria buildup or further decay.

When it comes to dental fillings, the two most common are amalgam and composite resin. Amalgam (silver) fillings are more likely to experience leakage than their composite counterparts. Composite resin creates a stronger adherence and bonding to the natural tooth. However, any filling can experience natural wear and tear over time.

Your Trusted Dental Office

Are you having tooth pain? Don’t ignore it! Our CarolinasDentist team can assess your oral health and check if you have a filling that needs to be fixed. We provide exceptional dental care and high-quality tooth fillings that can restore your oral health. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our many locations!