Heavily
filled back teeth can develop cracks due to the stresses and stains
of normal chewing which can result in breakage. As a general rule
if there is more filling than remaining tooth structure then the
tooth should be covered by something strong such as a crown. By
simply adding more filling an already heavily filled tooth ignores
the strengthening requirements of the tooth. Put simply this tooth
will continue to break.
If you are unfortunately missing some of your natural teeth due
to past extractions the gaps created can now be closed with bridgework.
This is a particularly good procedure if the teeth either side of
the gap are heavily filled as it will prevent these teeth from breaking
and provide you with chewing ability on that side. Unlike partial
dentures which have to be removed for cleaning bridges are fixed
permanently in place. Bridges can be cleaned with dental floss and
normal brushing.
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