Can Fillings Harm Neighboring Teeth?

While dental fillings can be important and sometimes even necessary to sustain your oral health, it is also essential to be aware of the side effects they may cause.

It has been observed that the teeth on either side of the new filling may be at an increased risk for decay. According to the Journal of Dentistry, the initial trauma caused by the filling may be partially responsible.

A study found that 6 out of 10 teeth next to a filling had decayed after five years. Almost 30% of these teeth needed filling as well. Damien Walmsley, a dental expert at Birmingham University, explained, "Once a dentist has gone into a tooth, they may accidentally damage another tooth. Dentists need to keep up to date with the latest techniques to ensure they don't damage other teeth when they do a filling."

He further added, "This study highlights the fact that dental intervention can cause more harm than good."

However, experts have also stressed that patients should get fillings if required, as currently, there are no other solutions for decaying teeth. If the patient resists fillings, their tooth may get damaged to the extent of needing a replacement.

Aside from ensuring that they get their filling from a good and reputable dentist, patients should take extra care of their teeth after fillings. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, as well as reducing sugar intake.

"It is highly possible that the intervention by the dentist causes a problem in adjacent teeth," said Simen Kopperud of the Nordic Institute of Dental Materials in Oslo, Norway, who led the study. "Fillings are not an ideal solution, but at the moment, it's the best solution we have."