Repairing Worn Down Teeth With Fillings
If the edges of your teeth are worn down, jagged, or visibly damaged, you have a problem on your hands. Going without care for this issue can lead to serious health complications in the future for your mouth. If you want to do what's right for your teeth and so you can prevent more intensive dental work in the future, check out this guide.
The Problem with Worn Down Teeth
A single tooth isn't just made out of bone. Underneath the hard, external layer of your tooth, there are a lot of softer forms of tissue that route blood and nerve impulses back and forth from the rest of your body and brain. In a healthy tooth, the external shell of enamel protects these soft tissues from ever being exposed or endangered. However, if your teeth get worn down, these parts can become revealed.
Once revealed, all sorts of problems can happen. Cavities are more likely since plaque and bacteria can quickly chew through the softer tissues. Infections can also happen, and if the interior of the tooth gets infected, the infection can spread to your gums, other teeth, or even your bloodstream.
Repairing the Damage
Worn down teeth aren't the same thing as cavities, but that doesn't mean that they can't benefit from a common cavity-fighting tool: fillings.
Dental fillings can be used to create an artificial enamel where your tooth once used to have it. This is particularly common in people who have worn down their teeth from grinding or biting their nails. If the edge of your tooth or teeth looks jagged and uneven, chances are you can benefit from this procedure.
What to Expect
The good news is, most people who have worn down teeth don't require any drilling to get this restoration. If you have tooth decay, you may need it. However, if the wearing away was your only issue, don't worry about drilling.
Your dentist will examine your teeth first and then perform a thorough cleaning to get rid of any built-up plaque, bacteria, and tartar. Then, they'll take a closer look at the edge of your tooth via an x-ray to find out what the internal structure looks like.
If everything looks good and no decay is discovered, the repair can begin immediately. Your dentist will apply small amounts of filling material to the edge of your tooth until it's back to a proper length. They will also reshape the edge to ensure that it's smooth and even. This process will be repeated with any teeth that need the same care.
Once your teeth have new fillings on them, you can rest easy knowing that you're not at risk of severe tooth damage. Talk to a dentist if you have questions about your teeth or want to know if you qualify for this procedure.