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4 Signs You Need To Replace Your Dental Filling

4 Signs You Need To Replace Your Dental Filling

When you have a cavity, the most straightforward treatment is a dental filling. Dental fillings are one of the most commonly performed dental treatments across the world. When your dentist detects tooth decay during your routine dental exam, they will recommend a dental filling to halt the decay and to restore structure to the damaged tooth. Amalgam fillings (silver fillings containing mercury) are still very common, but if you have chosen a dentist committed to biocompatible dentistry (a holistic approach focusing on the safest, healthiest oral treatments), your filling will be a resin composite material. Dental fillings are meant to be durable and long-lasting, but sometimes they may need to be replaced. Here are 4 signs you may need to replace your existing dental fillings.

Signs Your Dental Fillings May Need To Be Replaced

Dental fillings offer a number of benefits including:

  • Preventing tooth loss
  • Limiting the damage caused by trauma or decay
  • Restoring the structure and function of the tooth
  • Preventing nerve damage and reducing the risk for root canal surgery
  • Lowering the bacterial count in your mouth

Your dental filling may require replacement if:

  1. You Have Tooth Pain: If you have pain in the tooth containing the dental filling, that can be a sign that the filling has deteriorated. This could allow bacteria to enter the tooth and cause further decay and a deeper cavity. This bacteria can cause infection and could lead to more extensive treatment requirements like a root canal or even tooth extraction.
  2. You Have Tooth Sensitivity: If you are suddenly experiencing sensitivity to hot and cold, or even to sugary foods and drinks, you may have a crack in your filling. This crack could be exposing the nerves within the pulp of your tooth. Dental fillings can crack due to normal wear and tear and those who clench or grind their teeth are more susceptible to cracking. It can be hard to know your filling is cracked; it may only be apparent on an x-ray. Any crack in your dental filling can allow bacteria to enter the tooth leading to further decay or infection.
  3. Your Filling Is Old Or Discoloured: Dental fillings will typically last between 7-15 years, depending on the material used. Over time, your fillings will begin to show signs of wear and tear. You may be able to feel the edges of your filling with your tongue. You may even notice a chip in your filling. If your dental filling is a resin composite, it can become darker or discoloured as it ages. If your old fillings are silver amalgam fillings containing mercury, you may want to replace them with safer, healthier composite dental fillings. Read more about the benefits of replacing your amalgam fillings here.
  4. You Have Had A Mouth Injury: If you have experienced an impact injury to your face or mouth, your filling may have been chipped, cracked, or dislodged or the tooth with the dental filling could have cracked, compromising the stability of the filling. If you have sustained a mouth injury, it is considered a dental emergency and you should see your dentist right away.

If you require emergency dentistry after hours, 
call our emergency phone number (available on our answering machine
and Dr. Korol will get back to you promptly.

 

Safer, Healthier Dental Filling Replacement At Dr. Korol Dental

If you are experiencing any of the above signs, you may need to replace your dental fillings. Booking an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible is key to preventing infection, treating tooth pain, and avoiding further tooth decay or tooth loss. 

The team at Dr. Korol Dentistry is committed to the healthiest tooth restoration options available. To learn more about your options for dental filling replacement, mercury filling removal, and biocompatible dental fillings and book an appointment at Dr. Korol Dental to experience how a holistic approach to dental care can elevate your dental experience and optimize your overall health.

Dr. Korol and her skilled and compassionate team are committed to providing the highest quality and safest, most holistic approach to dental care, oral health, and overall well-being. We offer the newest and most effective treatments and technologies to support a lifetime of good health. Book your appointment by calling (403) 245-9099 or filling out our online form.

FAQ

Resin fillings are made up of a mixture of plastic and glass or quartz filler and are a popular option for filling cavities due to their natural, practically invisible look. To learn more, read 5 Incredible Benefits of Opting for Composite Dental Fillings.

White composite fillings can last for many years if they are taken care of. Some of the things you can do to protect your filling include visiting your dentist regularly for exams and cleaning, eating a healthy diet, and practicing good oral health.

If your dental filling falls out it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Here are some tips to follow until you can get in touch with your dentist.

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