If you have a decay, cavity, or chip on your tooth, then your dentist may have recommended that you get dental fillings to save your tooth. Dental fillings are made of tooth-coloured material, so they blend seamlessly with your smile. They effectively restore your tooth’s natural beauty and structural integrity so you can use it to eat your favourite foods.
A good restoration with dental fillings can last you many years. However, because of daily wear and tear with eating and chewing, dental fillings can also naturally wear down. They are also prone to staining and this can affect how you smile.
So, how do you know if it is time to get your fillings replaced? Read along to learn about the six warning signs you need to look out for and how a dental filling is replaced…
What is a Filling?
A dental filling is used to treat tooth decay or cavities. It is made of a single or combination of metals, plastics, glass or other materials. The most common type of dental filling is composite filling.
A composite filling is a tooth-coloured material that can be shaped and moulded to match your natural tooth. Then, it is cured or hardened with blue light to restore the function of the tooth so you can bite, chew, and eat comfortably.
With good oral hygiene, a dental filling can last several years. Most can even last a lifetime. However, it can still suffer from normal wear and tear and other factors. If this occurs, your dentist will recommend having it redone so it can continue serving its purpose.
Some signs that your composite filling already needs a replacement are:
- Visual Changes in the Filling
Composite fillings are not stain-resistant. So if you frequently drink coffee, tea, or red wine, or are a big fan of spiced foods, your composite filling may discolour faster than usual. This may look unsightly if your filling is on the front tooth, so it is best to have it redone.
Another visual change you should look out for is if the contours feel “off”. Ideally, a dental filling should feel smooth and shaped like your natural tooth. If your tongue feels some rough edges or unnatural curves on the filling, likely, some part of it has already chipped away.
- Sensitivity and Pain
Recurrent tooth decay may occur on a tooth with dental filling especially if good oral hygiene is not maintained. Decay under the filling may cause tooth sensitivity when consuming anything hot or cold. With severe decay, toothache can also occur at varying levels.
The severity of the decay can be identified with an X-ray. Then, a replacement filling should be done to avoid the spread of bacteria and relieve you of pain.
- Cracked Filling
The role of a dental filling is to restore the strength of the tooth. However, your filling can still break if strong and direct forces are applied to it. Such as if you eat hard or chewy food or if you use your tooth to open wrappers or cans. This may cause the filling to crack.
A cracked filling should be replaced immediately to prevent bacteria and debris from going into the tooth and causing more damage.
- Gum Health Concern
Not all warning signs can be seen on the tooth. If your gums are red or inflamed, it may be a sign that something is wrong with your filling. This usually happens with an overfilling where the tooth is filled beyond its natural structure.
An overfilling can cause plaque and bacteria build-up and gum inflammation. Immediate replacement is needed to restore the gums to good health.
- Biting and Chewing Issues
Another problem that overfilling can cause is pain when biting and chewing. If the filling is shaped too high, it can be uncomfortable whenever you bite and eat. Eventually, this will cause some discomfort in your jaws. Fillings that are not properly contoured to accommodate a healthy bite can also cause issues when chewing.
To resolve this, fillings that are too high can simply be reshaped and polished. However, if the contour is the problem, replacing the filling is necessary to improve your bite and jaw health.
- Old Filling
Lastly, old fillings that underwent normal wear and tear should also be replaced. Not all symptoms may be present, so getting them preventively redone can be good for your tooth’s health. This can help you avoid dental risks such as toothache.
Replacing Your Dental Fillings
There are 3 steps to getting your replacement fillings:
- Taking diagnostic tests
First, the tooth must be assessed to determine the symptoms and the severity of recurring decay if there is any. This is done through the use of X-rays and other tests. X-rays can also identify if the decayed or cracked tooth can still be restored with fillings. If not, your dentist will help you explore other treatment options such as root canal therapy.
- Removing old fillings and decay
If repair is a go, the next thing to do is remove the existing filling and decay. All decay should be carefully removed to prevent pain and sensitivity after getting your fillings done.
- Filling the tooth
With a clean cavity, your dentist can now layer the composite filling on the tooth and cure it incrementally to harden it in place. Finishing and polishing the restoration is also done to smoothen the composite. This prevents stains and plaque from sticking to the tooth.
Conclusion
Dental fillings are not as strong as your natural tooth, so it is normal that they wear down. The good news is that dental fillings do not take long to replace and your tooth should look as good as new in no time.
As soon as you see any of the warning signs above, schedule a visit with your dentist so they can take a closer look. The earlier the filling is replaced, the better the chances of saving your tooth.
If you have a filling that needs replacing, contact us today at Arbutus Station Dental!