Tooth Decay Near an Existing Filling Can Cause Problems for Your Smile

Often, a cavity, crack or even lost enamel can easily be addressed with a standard dental filling to repair a damaged tooth. If you’ve struggled to maintain good oral hygiene, or you have missed your checkups, a new area of tooth decay could develop in a tooth with a filling.

If the pulp, nerve, or root of the tooth becomes affected by bacteria, you may experience a toothache. If the pulp has become infected, the dentist may need to perform a root canal. In this procedure, the dentist will remove the tooth decay and the diseased pulp, repair the damage and schedule you for an appointment for a dental crown.

If the infection has become an abscess in your gums, the dentist may need to extract the tooth and take steps to clear up the infection. After your gums have healed and the dentist is certain that the infection has been dealt with, you and your dentist can discuss replacement options.

If you are in the Hattiesburg, Mississippi, area and you are experiencing toothache pain, you should call 601-583-2000 to have it examined and treated by our professional team at Smile Time Family Dentistry. We look forward to seeing you and is always happy to help you smile.