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Posted on 9/20/2019 by Thomas Mahar |
 Fillings are durable and long-lasting, but eventually, almost all fillings will need to be replaced. Regular dental evaluations will monitor the health of your teeth and your fillings. However, if you are in between dental appointments, a few signs could indicate that it is time to replace your old filling. These are a few of the most common, and they should initiate a call to our office. Pain or Pressure When You EatIf you suddenly feel pain or pressure when you bite down on food, you may need a filling replacement. This discomfort can signal damage to the dental pulp or to the filling itself. Try chewing slowly to identify where the pressure is coming from, and this can help you pinpoint the source of the problem.Color Changes If you have a composite resin filling that matches your natural teeth, color changes could indicate a replacement is needed. If the filling looks slightly darker or yellow in color, a replacement could restore the tooth to its ideal appearance. Cracked FillingsEveryday wear and tear can cause fillings to crack with time, as can chewing on pens and other hard items. Bruxism can also aggravate the fillings and lead to cracks, and when an opening forms, bacteria can enter the tooth and lead to cavities. Large cracks may be readily apparent when you look at your tooth, but smaller cracks might only be detectable with a dental x-ray.Tooth PainIf your filling is damaged, bacteria could enter into the tooth and cause decay. If you develop a cavity beneath the filling, you may experience pain and discomfort. Not only will the new cavity need treatment, but you'll also need to replace the filling.If you suspect that you need a filling replaced, it is important to act quickly to prevent further decay. Call our office today to set up your evaluation. |
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