Did you get a dental filling for a decayed tooth but are concerned about an infection coming back? You may be at risk of decay if you do not care for your dental filling or if you experience a dental injury. Our office helps patients with complications from dental infections after they receive dental fillings in Gouverneur, NY. Professional dental care and at-home oral hygiene are key to helping prevent cavities or recurrent decay beneath restorations like fillings.
What is Recurrent Decay?
Recurrent decay is an infection that occurs due to leakage or damage to the restoration. It is important to treat recurrent decay not only because it causes pain and discomfort but because decay can affect the dental pulp. The dental pulp is made up of nerves and blood vessels within the tooth that keeps it alive. One of the best ways to prevent recurrent decay is to continue to brush and floss teeth twice a day. Brushing and flossing remove harmful bacterial buildup that cause infections that spread through the teeth and gums. Please let us know if you notice changes in the feel or comfort of your dental filling.
Treat Infected Dental Fillings in Gouverneur, NY
To treat an infected filling, we will need to remove the old or damaged filling first. Then, we will treat the tooth beneath as needed. If needed, we will drain a tooth abscess or pus caused by an infection that can surround the tooth. We can also treat the inside of the tooth or the surrounding gum tissue if infected. A root canal treatment or oral surgery can remove infected tissues within or around a tooth.
Our team can also look for signs of infection around fillings during routine appointments. We check for gaps underneath the fillings and loose restorations. Remember to make regular dental appointments and contact us if you have a loose filling or feel pain under or around your restoration. It is important that we fix your restoration before harmful bacteria affect the tooth and gum tissue beneath your filling.
Do you need to treat an infected tooth? Are you having trouble with your current dental filling? Contact Dr. Nicholas Gardner for treatment today by calling (315) 203-1772. You may also schedule a dental appointment with us on our website. If you have any questions about recurrent decay or your current restoration, please let us know. We’re here to help you get the best care for your smile.