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A member asked:
Sealing preexisting fillings to prevent new cavities all the cavities i get are not new but underneath my old fillings. is there a way to use a sealant around the outside edges where a cavity meets the tooth to stop this?
4 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
I : I believe you are asking if sealing a filling will help if a new cavity has formed underneath an old filling. If there is new decay, usually the old filling will need to be removed so that the underlying decay can be treated.
Answered 10/3/2016
5.3k views
That depends: Sealants can not be used around silver amalgam fillings. Sealants can not be used if there is already decay under or around an existing filling. If an exisiting composite filling has a small defect on a margin it can sometimes be repaired with sealant before any new decay developes.
Answered 1/16/2013
5.4k views
No: Recurrent decay (cavities under fillings) is caused by leakage betewwn the tooth and filling material. It is also caused by improper hygiene practices. Recurrent decay must be dealt with by removing the existing failing filling and affected tooth structure. The dentist then restores the tooth with a new filing or crown. The decay must be cleaned out completely before the new filling is placed.
Answered 2/13/2013
5.3k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
Do I need a third opinion if one dentist tells me I have 2 tiny cavities that need to be filled and another dentist tells me that one of those 2 tiny cavities is just a stain on the tooth, while the other cavity might need work due to an old filling?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
Can a filling cause a root canal? Told i had cavity no pain before During filling i said something felt wrong told to wait Came back with pain xray looked fine At 6 month cleaning tooth still hurting new xray still fine Nerve test said need root cana?
4 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
A member asked:
Can a filling cause a root canal? Told i had small cavity no pain before During filling i said it felt wrong Came back in week with pain xray looked fine At 6 month cleaning tooth still hurting a new xray still say fine Nerve test say need root canal?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
What happens to a tooth with a cavity that doesn't get a filling?
4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
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