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If you’ve gotten a dental filing a while back, it may be time to get a replacement.
Dental fillings don’t last forever. While the material is strong, it is subject to regular wear and tear, which means its ability to protect your natural tooth from bacteria is impaired. Sometimes, fillings can get so damaged that they even fall out entirely.
Recognizing that your dental filling needs to be replaced is essential to maintaining your oral health. Check out this short blog post to learn if your dental filling may need an upgrade.
Oak Park dental fillings can be made from several types of materials:
Each type of filling can have a different lifespan. For instance, metal-based fillings such as silver amalgam last longer than composite ones, but they are quite visible, which is why people usually opt for tooth-colored ones, especially for the front teeth.
In any case, dental fillings can be damaged, no matter what their source material is. They can break or chip because of a variety of factors:
All these factors can lead to your dental filling chipping or even falling out altogether. With routine dentist appointments, you can give yourself plenty of time to spot failed fillings before they cause problems.
It’s important to take notice of any changes that can occur with your filling, and see an Oak Park preventive dentist as soon as possible to get it replaced.
Check out some of the signs that your dental filling may be damaged.
A fallen out or damaged filling can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, especially to heat and cold. Some patients can even feel tenderness when their tooth is touched, like during brushing their teeth.
If you notice increased tooth pressure when you eat or bite down, it could be a sign that the filling needs to be replaced.
If you feel your filling is not “right” with your tongue, or you find filling material detached while you eat, then you should see the dentist right away to repair it.
If a filling is damaged, bacteria and food particles now have an easy way inside the tooth. Over time, this can lead to sharp pain whenever you eat, though if left unchecked longer, the pain and inflammation can be constant.
If you are dealing with a cavity or an old dental filling that’s fallen out, Dr. Wesley Wise can help restore your oral health!
To get started, book an appointment at Wesley C. Wise, DDS & Assoc., LTD online, or call our practice at (708) 524-0330 for more information about our services.