Is Your Toothache Caused By A Damaged Composite Filling?

Composite dental fillings, also known as white or tooth-coloured fillings, are a popular alternative to more traditional fillings made from metal-based dental amalgam. Because they are tinted to match the colour of the surrounding tooth enamel, they can be almost invisible and are perfect for repairing damage to more visible teeth.

Unfortunately, composite fillings can become damaged or worn out, just like any other type of filling. If you are suffering from a toothache, and the pain appears to be coming from a tooth that has a composite filling, the filling may be damaged and in need of repairs or replacement.

How Do Damaged Fillings Cause a Toothache?

Dental fillings are used to fill gaps in teeth caused by tooth decay, physical damage or wear caused by tooth grinding (properly known as bruxism). If this gap in your tooth is particularly large, it may leave the pulp and nerves in your tooth exposed, which can cause an excruciating toothache.

Fillings prevent pain in damaged teeth by covering any exposed tooth pulp. If this filling suffered damage, cracks and chips in the filling may leave the nerves and pulp exposed once again. Alternatively, the bonding or cement that holds the filling in place may have been loosened, causing the filling to 'lift' away from the tooth and leaving exposed tooth pulp. 

Are Composite Fillings More Likely To Become Damaged?

Composite fillings are highly durable, and advances in dental technology mean they are becoming more durable all the time. However, the resins they are created from are generally less durable than metal dental amalgams, and may not last quite as long. If you have a composite filling that is more than a decade old, gradual wear and tear may have caused it to degrade.

All types of fillings can also be damaged or knocked out of a tooth by hard physical impacts. If you are suffering from a toothache in a filled tooth after engaging in contact sports (such as rugby), tripping or falling or taking any kind of hard blow to the face, the impact may have knocked the filling out of alignment.

What Should You Do If A Damaged Composite Filling Is Causing a Toothache?

If you are suffering from a toothache in a tooth with a composite filling, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible to have the tooth and its filling properly inspected. If you have been suffering from debilitating pain for more than a few days, or you also have swelling in your face and/or neck, get an emergency appointment ASAP.

Your dentist will check the composite filling for damage, which may have exposed the tissue beneath the filling. If minor damage has left a small gap in the filling, your dentist may be able to fill the gap using dental bonding materials. This should cause the pain to subside quickly.

If the filling is badly damaged or has been lost entirely, but the tooth itself has not been damaged, your dentist can craft and insert a new filling. Your new composite filling will almost certainly be stronger and more durable than the original and should last for many years to come.

Your dentist will also check for signs of infection and abscessing, which may occur when a damaged filling leaves tooth pulp vulnerable to bacteria. If the toothache is caused by a tooth infection, you may require more advanced care, such as antibiotic treatment or crown fitting. Your dentist will discuss advanced treatment options with you. 

Visit a local office like Queen Street Dental for more info.