If you’ve ever had a cavity or cracked tooth, your family dentist may have performed a tooth filling procedure to repair the affected area and restore your smile back to good health. Unfortunately, fillings won’t last forever. In fact, silver or amalgam fillings start to wear down and darken with age, causing them to look less desirable. Aside from a faded appearance, older tooth fillings may also cause you to experience sensitivity to cold foods and beverages and lead to other serious dental issues down the road.
Why Tooth Fillings Need Replacing:
We use our teeth everyday—from eating and drinking to grinding or clenching our teeth at night. This causes our fillings to slowly chip away, allowing gaps to form between our teeth and fillings where bacteria can seep in. When this happens, our teeth become more susceptible to tooth decay, and if left untreated, can infect the tooth and its root, resulting in a costly root canal procedure.
Certain dental filling materials last longer than others. For example, gold or silver fillings can last more than a decade whereas composite fillings may only last up to five years. Regardless of its material, every tooth filling needs to be replaced after a period of years.
Know the Warning Signs:
Scheduling routine preventative dental exams (every six months) is the best way to ensure your teeth stay healthy and your fillings are replaced as needed. Most importantly, if there are any signs of tooth decay from your fillings, your dentist can catch and treat the issue in its early stages, saving you time, money, and discomfort. However, if you’re noticing the following symptoms, it may be time to consult with your family dentist and ask about tooth filling replacement services:
- Increased Tooth Sensitivity
- Dark Spots on Tooth
- Cracked or Chipped Tooth
- Constant Toothache or Discomfort
- Unnatural Roughness on Tooth
Ready to Schedule Your Free Consultation?
If you’ve had your filling(s) for several years now, and you think it may be time to replace them, contact Dakota Dental Clinic today! We proudly offer free consultations to examine your fillings and will help you choose the best option that leaves you feeling confident about your smile.