Dental fillings are widely used to fill cavities. They help stop decay from worsening, and they can strengthen weakened teeth. Another reason dentists (and patients) like fillings so much is that they’re long-lasting. But while they can last for 10–20 years or even more, fillings don’t always last forever.
Eventually, a dental filling may crack, chip, or begin separating from the surrounding tooth material. The good news is that fillings usually give you some warning signs when they start to fail. If you keep an eye out for the signs of filling damage, you’ll know when to contact your dentist for a replacement.
Signs Of Filling Damage
The signs of a damaged filling might come on all at once, or they may come and go, which makes them all too easy to ignore! If you notice any signs of filling damage, it’s important not to ignore them or hope they’ll go away on their own. If unaddressed, damaged fillings only become more painful and may allow decay to worsen.
Temperature Sensitivity
Have you ever taken a sip of a hot beverage and felt a sharp, searing pain shoot through your tooth? Maybe you’ve felt this sensation after biting into a cold Popsicle or taking a bite of your favorite ice cream. Temperature sensitivity is a common sign of filling damage.
If a filling begins to separate from the tooth material, it can expose sensitive nerve endings in the deeper layers of your tooth. When these nerve endings come into close contact with hot or cold food or drinks, they basically send a pain message to your brain.
Temperature sensitivity can also be a sign of gum disease or of a new cavity. But if it’s happening in a tooth that’s already been filled, chances are good it’s a sign of filling damage. Your dentist can inspect the filling and, if needed, replace it.
Tooth sensitivity is especially common in patients with older metal fillings. The metal amalgam in dental fillings expands and contracts in response to temperature, which can cause or worsen the painful sensations you experience. So, even if your metal filling is not overtly damaged, you may want to have it replaced with a tooth-colored composite to prevent this sensitivity in the future.
Sharp Pains Or Aches
Another sign of a damaged filling is a general aching sensation in the tooth. This sensation can range from dull and throbbing to sharp and intense. At first, you may notice it only when you bite into foods or chew something overly crunchy. As time goes on, the pain may linger or become more constant.
Like temperature sensitivity, a toothache can also be a sign of other dental maladies, such as an abscess or a deep cavity. Since these concerns also require prompt dental care, your best bet is always to see a dentist whenever you experience new dental pain.
Discoloration
If your filling is in an area you can see, then keep an eye on it. More specifically, keep an eye on the tooth material surrounding the filling. If the tooth around the filling begins turning gray, black, or brown, your filling may be damaged.
Discoloration around fillings can be caused by staining foods, like wine and coffee, settling into the groove between your tooth and the filling. This is mostly harmless. However, this discoloration can also be caused by decay around or beneath the filling. The filling may have loosened, allowing decay-causing bacteria to invade. In this case, your dentist will likely remove the filling and the decayed tooth material around it, then fill the tooth with new material.
When replacing dental fillings, Orange City Modern Dentistry almost always uses tooth-colored composite. We prefer this material for many reasons, one of which is that it’s easier to tell when the tooth enamel around the filling shows visible signs of decay.
Cracks
Sometimes, older fillings crack. They may stay anchored in the tooth for a while, but a crack definitely tells you when to replace a filling – ideally before part of it falls out!
If the filling is in a front tooth or in the chewing surface of a lower molar, you may be able to see that it has cracked when you look in a mirror. Other times, patients start noticing that food gets stuck in or around a filling. They may feel a rough or sharp texture when they run their tongue over the filling. These are also signs of cracking.
Food particles and decay-causing bacteria often get caught in the cracked filling, which can lead to bad breath. Mouthwash may help in the short term, but it’s no substitute for a new filling.
Replacing A Filling
When it comes to cavity repair, Deltona residents have come to rely on our dentists for metal-free options. We use the same tooth-colored composite material to replace old or damaged fillings. These materials blend right in with your surrounding tooth, which is really a relief when dealing with a highly visible front tooth or lower molar. They’re also less likely to cause sensitivity than metal dental fillings.
When your appointment begins, your dentist will start by assessing the condition of the filling and the surrounding tooth. They may take an X-ray to see whether the decay has progressed. After applying some local anesthetic for your comfort, they’ll use a dental drill to remove the damaged filling and tooth material.
Once the old filling has been removed, the process is the same as filling any other cavity. Your dentist will inject a custom-colored composite into the tooth. Then, they’ll use a special curing light to harden the material and make sure it’s as strong as possible. After some filing to make sure the new filling is properly shaped and smooth, you’ll be on your way.
After your damaged filling is replaced, you should notice a marked reduction in symptoms such as temperature sensitivity, bad breath, and pain. In some cases, the sensitivity may linger for a few more days until your nerves adapt.
The Preventative Approach
While there is no way to make a filling last forever, there are some ways to reduce the chances of failure. First, make sure you’re brushing and flossing thoroughly – especially around the filling. This will prevent food and bacteria from accumulating around the filling and causing decay.
Also, make sure you schedule regular six-month cleaning and checkup appointments with your dentist. Professional cleanings help keep your teeth healthy, and healthy teeth hold on to dental fillings much longer. Plus, if there are any early signs of filling damage, your dentist will notice them during a checkup so you can have your filling replaced sooner.
Finally, make sure you call your dentist as soon as you begin to notice any signs of filling damage. If left unaddressed, a damaged filling can lead to more tooth decay, dental infections, and even tongue or cheek injuries due to sharp edges. The earlier you seek care, the better.
If you have a filling that needs to be replaced, or you have any more questions about silver vs. tooth-colored fillings, contact Orange City Modern Dentistry. With specialties in advanced restorative and cosmetic dental care, we’ll have your smile looking and feeling its best in no time.