My filling broke after 6 months!

Dr Lim saw a patient which we have not seen in 10 years. The patient had relocated to Shanghai and came home to Singapore during the Chinese National Day. Today, the patient brought her whole family along with her!

Her husband told Dr Lim that he had a filling done in Shanghai 6 months ago but that filling had dropped out. When Dr Lim examined his teeth, she found that his teeth were worn down with numerous crack lines on each tooth. According to the patient, he also grinds his teeth in his sleep (bruxism).

Besides restoring the broken filling, Dr Lim also prescribed a nightguard for the patient. The function of the nightguard is to protect the patient's teeth and restorations. When the patient grinds his teeth in his sleep, he would be grinding against a softer material than his teeth. Furthermore, as he grinds, he will be wearing off the nightguard and not his teeth.

In the event that his nightguard gets worn down, it can simply and cheaply be replaced as compared with a worn or broken down tooth. In addition, the nightguard can extend the lifespan of the fillings and crowns in his mouth.

It is a worthwhile investment, especially for patients who grind their teeth in their sleep (bruxism).