“Does a filling weaken a tooth?”
I will get a filling next week. I want to know if a filling weakens a tooth?
9 Answers
Generally not if under 1/3 the size of the entire natural clinical crown. If greater than 1/3 a restorative man made crown replacement is recommended to avoid fracture.
No a filling actually prevent the tooth from becoming weak in future.
leaving the dental decay is what weakens the tooth structure . However if the filling was too large sometimes we recommend crowning the tooth for a better longevity.
Anytime we remove tooth structure it weakens the tooth.
It depends! A mercury/silver filling usually does weaken a tooth. A small 'amalgam' ('silver' filling, usually just over 50% mercury) filling, one smaller than 1/3 the distance between the cusps of the tooth, usually does not weaken the tooth initially. Ones larger just do. All silver/mercury expand with heat more than the tooth. With cold, the filling shrinks more than the tooth, leaving the tooth unsupported. With tincture of time, silver/mercury does corrode, and as it does so, it expands. Bottom line: beyond their serious toxicity and sad esthetics, mercury fillings break teeth. I have no clue why they are still legal to place, especially in juveniles. Composite fillings well placed DO make a tooth stronger for as long as the bond is sound, usually at least a couple years, if placed with all standards of care. Ceramic and gold fillings that overlay the cusps should increase the strength of their teeth, perhaps for a number of decades, IF done will all the standards of care. If you want your teeth beautiful, functional, and healthy for a lifetime, finding a supporting and caring dentist is as important as good diet and hygiene.
In a sense yes, the filling material is not as strong as natural tooth structure, but the decay also weakens the tooth. The larger a restoration is, the higher the risk of fracture. More fillings fail because of recurrent cavities than fracture; your best bet is to get the fillings taken care of in a timely manner (to keep it small) and then keep things as clean as possible to get the best longevity out of your filling.
No A filling does not weaken the tooth
Having a filling does not weaken the tooth, but it does not strengthen the tooth either. The filling just fills and seals the area where the cavity is. Crown will be able to reinforce or strengthen the tooth.
Having a portion of your tooth removed during treatment of a cavity results in a weaker tooth. Even when the void left by removal of tooth decay is filled with a restorative dental composite (or "tooth-coloured filling"), your tooth is still weaker than before.
Interestingly, you can expect some minor-major cracking of the enamel around your filling over time. This happens with both white and silver amalgam fillings. The basis for this cracking is that, when you have hot or cold foods and beverages, the artificial filling material will expand and contract at a rate that is different that of tooth enamel and dentin. This repeated stress, over time, will lead to cracking of your teeth.
In most cases, these cracks or "craze lines" will not cause any discomfort or require any further treatment.
This, however, underscores the importance of avoiding need for dental treatment, where possible!
Interestingly, you can expect some minor-major cracking of the enamel around your filling over time. This happens with both white and silver amalgam fillings. The basis for this cracking is that, when you have hot or cold foods and beverages, the artificial filling material will expand and contract at a rate that is different that of tooth enamel and dentin. This repeated stress, over time, will lead to cracking of your teeth.
In most cases, these cracks or "craze lines" will not cause any discomfort or require any further treatment.
This, however, underscores the importance of avoiding need for dental treatment, where possible!
