Have you ever wondered why you seem to go to the dentist and have broken teeth fixed every now and then? Today, I’m going to highlight some of the reasons why this seems to be the case. We all have 32 natural teeth, including wisdom teeth, which are meant to last us our lifetime if well maintained and cared for. Unfortunately, teeth decay and develop holes that subsequently need to be filled to restore them to function and prevent the spread of decay. The following are reasons why one would have repetitive dental treatment:
Lack of Flossing
This is one of the most common causes of decay and subsequent dental fillings between the teeth. Flossing helps to prevent the occurrence of decay and thus reduces dentist visits. A lot of fillings fail because of recurring decay under the fillings due to a lack of flossing, contributing to endless dentist visits. Eventually, multiple fillings on the same tooth will turn into either a crown, root canal, or extraction of the tooth.
Patch Ups
Extensive decay or large holes will result in the tooth having a big filling. Plastic resin fillings are cost-effective and have better longevity if they are used to fill small holes. However, if used in large cavities on back teeth, they are prone to chip and fracture, needing repair, which can start a cycle of patch-up treatment. This is why your dentist will suggest dental ceramic crowns. While the cost of a crown is higher, it has better longevity, reducing repetitive dental fillings on the same tooth over time and helping to keep it for longer.
Teeth Grinding / Clenching
Most people clench or grind their teeth in their sleep and are not aware unless told by loved ones. These habits cause wearing and cracking of teeth, leading to the failure of dental treatment. This is why your dentist will suggest the use of night guards to protect the teeth and treatment. Without preventive strategies in place for teeth grinding, the chances are you will go to the dentist and get dental treatment more often.