Low though it is, odds are that a failed filling can still happen. It means that bacteria causing caries, instead of being removed totally, are left unintentionally inside the ill tooth and continue to erode it. Caries occurs again after a filling procedure is known as secondary caries, resulting from various causes and requiring according treatment in time. Some may wonder whether or not a root canal therapy (RCT) is always needed for fixing a secondary caries. 

    According to dentists from AKJ Dental Hospital, it’s not always the case. The treatment required for a secondary caries varies depending on the its severity.

    When it comes to restoring tooth cavities, the treatment plan is always decided based on how deep the cavities are. If the caries still remain on the layer of enamel or even dentin, generally it’s a simple filling procedure that will be required. Eroded tooth tissues will be removed and replaced with appropriate filing material.  

    If left untreated, the caries will continue to progress and make its way to the pulp chamber which contains dental nerves. At that time, it will cause severe pain and RCT will be required. Root canal therapy refers to remove eroded issues and devitalize dental nerves, followed by gutta-percha filling and a crown to restore the tooth. Relevant article: Price of Root Canal Therapy

    When there is a secondary caries, first of all a thorough check-up should be conducted to diagnose the dental condition. Your dentist will decide if RCT is needed, resting on whether the caries have reached dental pulp or not. No matter what kind of dental work you need, just follow your dentist’s instructions and cooperate well, and he will take care of the rest. 

    Please feel free to contact me if there’s any dental problem. (WeChat ID: aiyuan325180)