6 Reasons You Need a Dental Filling Replacement

Dental fillings can help repair teeth that have been damaged by decay and work to protect your oral health. But have you ever wondered when you should consider having an old filling replaced? Here are some surefire signs that you need a new filling.

Do you have a tooth, or teeth, that are affected by decay, or that are cracked or chipped?

Often, dentists suggest that the best treatment for such conditions are composite dental fillings, as they have many benefits, including:

• Quick treatment time
• Natural looking appearance
• Minimally invasive: Involves less removal of healthy tooth structure
• They’re mercury-free

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At Dr. Korol Dental, our qualified dentists strive to provide the best oral care to our patients at affordable prices, and we offer comprehensive services such as tooth extractions, dental implants, and safe mercury removal to help you maintain a beautiful and healthy smile and body.

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Is it Time to Replace Your Old Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are an excellent and cost-effective way to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay, but while the materials used to make them are very durable, they aren’t as strong as natural tooth structures and do not last forever. 

Here are two main situations when it’s best to see your dentist about replacing old dental fillings:

1. Your Dental Filling is No Longer Working to Protect Your Teeth

Over the years, the pressure caused by chewing or biting on your filling can cause it to chip or crack, allowing decay-causing bacteria to work their way into your tooth.

You should let your dentist know immediately if your filling is:

• Loose or discoloured
• Worn out or cracked
• Causing tooth sensitivity or pain

Remember, it’s important to visit your dentist about a loose or broken filling because this can help prevent serious infection, dental pain, and further tooth decay.

Calgary Dental Fillings

2. You Want a More Natural Looking Filling

If you have an older amalgam or metal-coloured filling, you may be looking for a healthier and more natural-looking choice. Newer options in dental filling material include composite and porcelain, which can be designed to match your existing tooth colour and give you a more natural look.

In fact, for most dentists, composite fillings are the best choice because they’re:

• Free of mercury, a known neurotoxin
• More aesthetically pleasing
• Versatile and can be used for decayed, worn, cracked, or chipped teeth.
• Minmally invasive, allowing your dentist to preserve more of the natural tooth structure

Do you have amalgam fillings that require replacing?

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Other Factors to Consider For Dental Filling Replacement

If you’re still wondering whether it’s time to replace your old dental fillings, here are some other signs that it may be time to visit your dentist:

1. Your filling is cracked. Wear and tear can eventually cause your filling to crack, and it’s important to get this fixed as a damaged filling will allow bacteria to enter your tooth and cause further decay.

2. Your tooth hurts. A throbbing toothache where your filling is may mean that your filling has deteriorated and a deep cavity has formed. To prevent further infection and extensive oral treatment, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible.

3. Your filling is discoloured. Over time, composite fillings can start to become darker, or look slightly yellow. This can mean that the bond between the flling and is compromised, allowing decay to seep in.

4. You had a dental injury. If you sustained a blow to your mouth, then it’s possible your filling has chipped, loosened, or dislodged, so it’s important to visit your dentist for a checkup.

Call Today

To find out more about how we can help restore any damaged teeth using natural-looking and mercury-free composite fillings, contact our Calgary holistic dentist today at 403-245-9099 or book an appointment.