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Fillings that are
worn around the edges or have pulled away from tooth
enamel are invitations to decay-causing bacteria. The
bacteria, which are present in saliva, combine with
sugar or starch from food products to produce acids. The
bacteria enter the tiny spaces between the filling and
the tooth. Once there, they cannot usually be removed
with a toothbrush. Decay may start to develop along the
margins of the filling.

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Improper hygiene, improper diet, gum recession or
decreased saliva flow might cause recurring decay. If
the recurrent decay is not removed early, it eventually
progresses into the soft dentin and then the dental
pulp, the tooth's living core. If the damaged or
diseased pulp is not removed, the tooth and the
surrounding tissues can become infected. Regular dental
examinations are important because fillings that are
broken or no longer intact generally can be detected in
the early stages. During your checkup, your dentist can
determine whether existing fillings are intact, or if
any have cracked or worn away. Worn fillings should be
replaced promptly before decay begins. In some cases,
extensive tooth decay around an existing filling may
leave little tooth structure once the decay is removed.
Your dentist may need to restore the tooth with a crown
instead of a filling. |
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