Most dental patients have had some fillings placed on their teeth and one important fact to know that dental fillings like anything else, need to be examined periodically, in order to avoid further problems and complications.

When do dental fillings need to be replaced? Do my old fillings need to be replaced even if they do not hurt? These questions almost always asked by the patients. In this blog post, these questions will be answered as well as why all our dental fillings will need to be replaced in a timely manner.

Fillings are designed to be tough, but they must be replaced eventually. We will share a few signs that may indicate that it’s time for a new filling.

Reasons to Replace Fillings

Here are some good reasons that will signal an alarm for you to get your fillings replaced:

Signs of Decay

On a closer inspection of your afflicted area, signs of decay become more visible and such should make you visit a dental office immediately. Decay can cause further damage if not treated appropriately. As bacteria finds a loophole to enter your oral system it would eventually increase and multiply at great pace before it can be stopped, and you might end up with severe pain once bacteria reaches the nerve of the tooth.

Chipping or Cracking

Wear and tear can eventually cause fillings to crack. Although it usually takes years of wear to crack a filling, the problem can occur sooner if you grind your teeth. Any opening in a tooth, even one as narrow as crack, can allow bacteria to enter the tooth and cause decay. In some cases, you may actually see a crack in a filling, but in others, you might not know you have one until you have X-rays during a dental visit.Though they may not pose a serious nature to many, but when fillings tend to crack or chip then they should be replaced, before they can cause serious damage to one’s health.

Leakage

 Over the time of continuous usage there might come an instance where the filling actually leaves a gap within the tooth. This space is where saliva and bacteria can interact freely and cause further damages. It’s best to respond to leaking fillings early on before they get out of hand.

Smelly tooth. Some people feel that a specific tooth in their mouth, emanate a bad smell, so, here, it is wiseful to get the tooth to get checked as it might have a gap or cavity whereas bacteria thrive and causing that smell.

Your tooth hurts

If you have a crack in your tooth, you may develop a cavity and decay under the filling. It’s important to schedule a visit with Dr.Miski if you develop pain in a tooth that has been filled.

 

You feel pain when you drink cold beverages

Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures can occur as a result of leaky fillings. The problem happens when fillings don’t adhere tightly to the sides of your teeth.

 

 Your old filling has changed color

Tooth-colored composite resin fillings can eventually become darker or may look slightly yellow. Replacing the filling restores your tooth’s appearance.

 

Examples of fillings that need to be replaced

A silver filling that needs to be replaced

 

 

  • When a silver filling needs to be replaced, it starts to separate or crack away from the tooth. What will result are small gaps in between the tooth and the filling which allows bacteria, plaque, and food to enter the tooth.  This will lead to a cavity.  In extreme cases, an older silver filling may fracture a portion or major piece of the entire tooth.

A tooth colored filling that needs to be replaced

 

  • When a tooth colored filling needs to be replaced, it starts to separate from the tooth as well. Just like the silver fillings, these small gaps in between the tooth and the filling allows bacteria, plaque, and food to enter the tooth.

 

Frequently asked Questions

  • When do dental fillings need to be replaced?

    • As stated earlier, fillings need to be replaced at the very first signs of “leakage” and “decay.” Once this process has started either a cavity is developing or already present.  Cavities will only get larger and cause larger issues when left untreated

  • Do my old fillings need to be replaced even if they do not hurt?

    • Lack of pain or sensitivity on one’s tooth does not indicate a “healthy” tooth. Most small cavities will be asymptomatic.  If a tooth is causing pain or sensitivity then that is a sign that the cavity is very large and that the pulp of the tooth is compromised.  If this is the case then major procedures ranging from a root canal treatment or extraction/ Dental implant may be required.

Need fillings replaced?  Give us a Call or Contact us.