Oral health experts are warning patients about the harmful potential of bad dental fillings. Specifically, they say, if they are done using an out-dated technique, fillings could do more harm than good inside a patient’s mouth.
According to research published in the Journal of Dentistry, if done poorly, an improper dental filling can increase tooth decay, infection, and mean more fillings will be needed, particularly on neighboring teeth.
Health professionals said it suggested that the techniques being used were a key factor.
Professor Walmsley, a leading dental expert at Birmingham University, said: “Once a dentist has gone into a tooth, they may accidentally damage another tooth. Dentists need to keep up to date with the latest techniques to ensure they don’t damage other teeth when they do a filling.”
Dental Fillings Still a Necessity
Despite the latest warning, health professionals stress that fillings are still a necessity for some patients as there is no other solution, other than replacement, to repair a decayed tooth. They also say patients need to be particularly careful about taking care of their teeth after a filling, reducing sugar intake and brushing properly.
In the meantime, dental offices are being urged to follow the minimally invasive dental approach for treatments, as practiced here at THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®. This careful, delicate form of filling treatment uses minimal intervention to reduce the chance of damaging teeth.
“Dentists should think very carefully about what they are doing and as dentists, we all need to keep up to date and be aware of new methods to minimize damage to patients’ teeth,” says Walmsley.
About THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®
THE SCIENCE OF SMILES® offers affordable cosmetic and laser dentistry and gentle, compassionate general dental care in Pasadena, CA. Our office is conveniently situated with extended hours to meet your needs. At THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®, we offer most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures, complete dental rebuilding and TMJ/ Headache management. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover affordable up-to-date dentistry and a team who truly cares at THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®.
