Dental Filling Open Margin
What Is A Dental Filling Open Margin?
A Dental Filling is a restorative dental treatment used to repair a damaged or decayed tooth. The procedure involves removing the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth, cleaning the affected area, and filling it with a material (usually composite resin) to restore its function and shape. When placing the dental filling, there should be a smooth, continuous surface from tooth to filling that will prevent bacteria and food from getting trapped at the margin.
A “Dental Filling Open Margin” can occur when the filling does not completely fill the tooth preparation at the time of tooth restoration, leaving a small gap or space between the filling and the tooth’s surface. This space can sometimes only be seen on a dental x-ray image, like in the image above. It can be caused by various reasons, including poor filling placement or subgingival totoh margins. If left untreated, the open margin can lead to several oral health problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, dental pain, and even tooth loss. Therefore, it’s essential to identify and address the issue promptly.
Before you contact a Toronto dentist to examine a Dental Filling Open Margin, there are some things you should know as a patient:
- Why Do I Have A Dental Filling Open Margin?
- Signs And Symptoms Of A Dental Filling Open Margin
- Treatment Options For A Dental Filling Open Margin
- How To Prevent A Dental Filling Open Margin
- Managing A Dental Filling Open Margin Until You Can See The Dentist
If you have questions about a Dental Filling Open Margin or other dental problems, please contact us for more information.
Why Do I Have A Dental Filling Open Margin?
A Dental Filling Open Margin can occur for various reasons, including:
- Poor Filling Placement: A dental filling that is not properly placed or shaped can result in open margins. This can happen if the dentist did not clean out all of the decay or did not properly fill the cavity.
- Subgingival Tooth Margins: When a dental cavity is very deep, it can extend underneath the gums. This can make for a very challenging tooth filling. When a filling has to be placed below the gum line, it can be difficult to properly seal the margins, leading to open margins.
If you have an Open Margin under your Dental Filling, it’s essential to identify the cause and address it promptly. Your dentist can help determine the cause of the open margin and recommend the appropriate treatment to prevent further damage and maintain your oral health. If you have further questions about Open Margins under a Dental Filling, please contact us.
Signs and Symptoms of A Dental Filling Open Margin
If you have a Dental Filling Open Margin, you may experience the following signs and symptoms:
- Tooth Sensitivity: You may experience sensitivity or discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and beverages.
- Tooth Pain: You may feel pain or discomfort when biting down or chewing.
- Gum Swelling: Swelling or tenderness in the gums surrounding the filling may indicate an open margin.
- Food Trapping: Food and debris may get trapped between the open margin and your gums, causing discomfort. You may find that you have to floss your teeth more often because of the open margin under the dental filling.
- Noticeable Gap Under Filling: You may feel a visible gap between the filling and your tooth, indicating an open margin.
- Dark Discoloration Under Filling: You may notice dark discoloration or a grayish hue under the filling, which can indicate tooth staining from the open margin, tooth decay or infection.
If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, it’s essential to schedule an appointment with your dentist promptly. Your dentist can examine your filling and determine if you have a Dental Filling Open Margin and recommend the appropriate treatment to prevent further damage to the tooth. If you have further questions about signs and symptoms of a Dental Filling Open Margin, please contact us.
Treatment Options for A Dental Filling Open Margin
If you have a Dental Filling Open Margin, your dentist may recommend the following treatment options:
- Replacement of the Filling: Your dentist may need to remove the existing filling and replace it with a new one. This will ensure that the filling is properly placed and sealed to prevent any gaps or open margins.
- Patching the Open Margin: In some cases, your dentist may be able to patch the open margin with a tooth-colored composite material to fill the gap and prevent further tooth decay.
- Dental Crown: If the tooth has extensive damage or decay, your dentist may recommend a dental crown. A crown is a cap that covers the entire tooth, providing protection and support.
The appropriate treatment option will depend on the cause and severity of the Dental Filling Open Margin. It’s essential to schedule an appointment with your dentist promptly if you experience any signs or symptoms of an open margin to prevent further damage. If you have further questions about treatment options for a Dental Filling Open Margin, please contact us.
How to Prevent A Dental Filling Open Margin
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent a Dental Filling Open Margin. These include:
- Choosing a Qualified Dentist: Make sure to choose an experienced dentist with a proven track record of successful dental fillings. Review their Google reviews to ensure patients are happy with their service.
- Crown Lengthening Gum Surgery: Sometimes, the tooth margins are deep and can be obstructed by excess gum tissue, resulting in inaccurate filling impressions and an ill-fitting dental filling. This crown lengthening surgical procedure removes excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth structure, resulting in cleaner tooth preparation margins. Clean, visible tooth margins are important for accurate filling adaptation. Ask your dentist if filling lengthening gum surgery is required.
- Digital Scanning Impressions: Dental fillings can be made using traditional physical impression techniques or newer digital impression techniques. Using digital scanning technology with an intraoral scanner can provide more accurate impressions, leading to better-fitting dental fillings and fewer complications. Not all dentists use digital scanning technology, so be to consult with a dentist that uses digital intra-oral scanners.
By following these preventive measures, you can ensure a successful dental filling treatment and prevent Open Margins Under Dental Fillings. If you have further questions about how to prevent a Dental Filling Open Margin, please contact us.
Managing A Dental Filling Open Margin Until You Can See the Dentist
If you experience Dental Filling Open Margin before your scheduled dental appointment, you can take the following steps to manage the issue until you can see your dentist:
- Practice good oral hygiene: Keeping the dental filling that has the open margin as clean as possible. This will help prevent tooth decay and alleviate some of the pain or sensitivity. Brush and floss gently around the tooth. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water or mouthwash can help reduce infection, inflammation and alleviate toothache pain. You can buy any mouthwash available at your pharmacy or health foods store. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish the solution around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
- Use Over-the-Counter Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain medication can help relieve tooth pain or sensitivity from tooth decay under a veneer. You are also welcome to use over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Ask your dentist what dosage is right for you, but if you do not have a pre-existing medical condition of allergies, 1000mg acetaminophen (Tylenol) with 600mg ibuprofen (Advil) every 4-6 hours or as needed is a very powerful combination.
- Avoid Eating on the Affected Side: Avoid eating on the side of the affected tooth to prevent further irritation or damage to the open margin.
While these measures can help manage Dental Filling Open Margin until you can see your dentist, it’s essential to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to prevent any further damage. If you have further questions about how to manage and treat a Dental Filling Open Margin, please contact us.
