Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI
Even if you’re diligent about your brushing, flossing and dental appointments, you’re likely to get a cavity at some point in your life. Most likely, that cavity is going to be treated with a filling. For decades, getting a filling meant the installation of a restoration made of dental amalgam. These fillings have the potential to crack or fail, which could mean a trip to the emergency dentist near you. But wouldn’t it be nice to know when a filling is compromised, before you need to rush to the dentist? Today on the blog, we review some of the signs that a filling needs to be replaced.
Look for these warning signs that your filling may be cracked:
- Feeling a sharp pain when you bite down
- A recurring pain from the same tooth
- Heightened sensitivity to hot and cold foods
- Feeling as if something is stuck in your teeth, even after you brush and floss
Many times, a filling can become cracked even if there is no visible sign of a problem. In fact, by the time you notice the crack, your tooth may have sustained significant additional damage, from the combined bite pressure of your teeth. If you notice a cracked tooth or cracked filling, you should make an appointment with your Royal Oak dentist as soon as possible.
Why do fillings fail?
When your dentist places a filling, they bond the restoration against the remaining healthy tooth structure. This bond might deteriorate as time passes, affecting the stability of the filling or allowing bacteria to accumulate underneath the restoration, leading to more decay and the potential failure of the filling. If you’ve had a filling for a long time, even if it is cracked or starting to wear down, you may not notice any difference or discomfort right away. This underscores the importance of regular check-ups every six months; at each of these visits, your dentist will review the stability and structure of any restorations in your mouth, including fillings.
What happens if I wait too long to have a filling replaced?
In the event that more decay has developed under and around a filling, you may need a larger restoration like a dental crown. This entails replacing the entire exterior of the tooth, protecting the sensitive interior structure that includes the tooth root and dental nerve. In most cases, however, Dr. Hartrick can replace your older or compromised filling with a tooth-colored filling. These restorations could be made of a composite material or dental ceramic, with the latter typically reserved for filling large cavities. These restorations are more stable, blend seamlessly with your other natural teeth and are less likely to experience breakage or failure.
Is it time to replace my filling?
There’s no set answer to this question. The ultimate decision will be made with you, but you won’t even have the information to make the decision until you see your dentist. Any time you’re experiencing problems with an existing filling, you owe it to yourself to make an appointment with your dentist. Dr. Nancy Hartrick can examine your older dental work, take X-rays if needed and make a recommendation about whether or not your filling should be replaced.
Tooth-colored fillings in Royal Oak, MI
We hope you never have a damaged or cracked filling, but if you do, Dr. Hartrick and her team of oral health professionals at Hartrick Dentistry can help. We also offer emergency services as needed. To find out more about your treatment options, schedule a consultation by calling (248) 549-0950.