dentist Seattle WA - Why Some Fillings Still Get Decay Behind Them

Why Some Fillings Still Get Decay Behind Them

Posted on 09/21/2021 by Nam Thien Vu, DDS

Your dental filling is in your mouth to replace the tooth structure which was lost to tooth decay. Fortunately, dental fillings can be relatively unnoticeable and mimic the appearance of your natural teeth. However, if you have a toothache or see dark spots on your tooth with a filling, this may be a sign that there is decay behind the dental filling.

Bacteria is Like a Weed in Your Mouth

Unfortunately, dental fillings don't last forever. Eventually, all fillings need to be replaced due to the constant pressure from eating, tooth clenching and grinding.

It is a fact that some fillings get decay behind them. Bacteria causes tooth decay. Fillings that have been chipped, cracked, or fallen out may provide entry points for bacteria to go into the tooth.

Further, food debris can even work their way between the compromised filling and the tooth. As bacteria feast on leftover food debris and chooses opportunistic routes into the tooth, decay may develop along the edges of filling or underneath it. Untreated decay can cause infection on the inside of the tooth.

Your Dental Fillings May Need Replaced

If you are unsure whether you need a replacement filling, we are happy to help. We know just what to look for when we assess your dental fillings. We will look for any cracks or unnecessary wear around your dental fillings, as well as other signs too. We will also make sure they are all there! Give our office a call today to schedule your next dental cleaning and exam.

We look forward to working with you and assessing the state of your dental fillings. Early detection of tooth decay around or behind your dental fillings could help to avoid bigger problems and bigger dental bills down the road.

Seattle Dentist
Dr. Vu and the team are like family! They treat my dental needs and make me feel right at home. When I had a dental emergency they cleared out time to make sure I was taken care of. I knocked 2 teeth out in a bike accident and you can’t even tell!! They also make a great point to support the LGBTQ+ community!

- Scotty C

Dentist In Seattle
Dr. Vu and his staff are not only professional and well organized, they are also very welcoming and personable. They make you feel instantly comfortable the moment you walk in. They are a modern practice with state of the art technology and open to all clientele. Their work is fantastic and my teeth look and feel great.

- Justin P.

Downtown Seattle Dentist
Summit Dental Care: convenient location in downtown Seattle; strong online website and patient portal (e.g., appointments, dental records); reception staff, hygienist, chairside assistants - competent and professional. Most importantly, there is Summit Dental's Dr. Vu, DDS - a very skilled dental professional who seems to genuinely care about the welfare of his patients. A recent dental crisis/emergency was handled without delay; when a tooth is "making its presence known," one doesn't want to hear, "Let me see if we have any openings..."! Dr. Vu replaced my (now retired) dentist of 20+ years - it has been a wise decision to stay with the practice.

- Mark D.

Dentist Downtown Seattle
Dr. Vu is great. He and his staff are all friendly and kind, and I’ve consistently had good experiences at his office. He’s always trying to think of ways to improve patient experience- including offering noise canceling headphones for when you get fillings so you can listen to music or a podcast to distract you from the noise of the drill. Brilliant!

- Lindsay S.

Seattle Family Dentistry
I've been a patient here for 6 years now and Dr. Vu and the team continue to exceed my expectations. They do a great job of listening to you and treat you with the utmost respect. I am so happy here that I keep paying extra for an out-of-Network dental plan. My gum health has improved tremendously and I have reclaimed my smile.

- Michael Z.

NamThien Vu, DDS • Dentist Seattle • Summit Dental Care

Cosmetic Dentist in Seattle WA offering dental implants, sedation dentistry, dentures, mouthguards, tmj treatment & invisalign. Call today! (206) 292-9980

Summit Dental Care, 720 Olive Way Suite #930, Seattle, WA 98101 • 206-292-9980 • summitdentalcareseattle.com • 8/9/2024 • Page Keywords: dentist Seattle WA •

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Why Some Fillings Still Get Decay Behind Them

Posted on 09/21/2021 by Nam Thien Vu, DDS

Bacteria is Like a Weed in Your Mouth

Your Dental Fillings May Need Replaced