My BEST Dentists Journal

All Journal Entries
Share

When Should Tooth Fillings Be Replaced?

Fillings decay over time for many reasons, some preventable and some not.

Number one reason is that chewing the food can damage fillings over time and cause them to deteriorate.  If you clench your teeth or grind the teeth (stress related) that can also hurt the teeth. The tooth can also decay underneath the fillings.  Tooth-colored fillings are weaker then silver (Amalgam) fillings, so they are not good options for teeth that are subjected to a lot of force like molars. Tooth-colored filings can break more efficiently, so they need their replacement much earlier than silver counterparts.

Signs

You should feel some sensitivity in the tooth. This is the first sign. Paying attention to these physical symptoms can let you know if it’s time for the dentist appointment. Tooth became sensitive to sweets, pressure, and temperature.

When you bite into any hot, cold or sweet food, you will notice or feel sensitivity or pain after they contact the tooth, which could be a sign of fillings needing to be replaced. You could have same pain during flossing or when toothbrush encounters the spot, or when you touch the teeth with your finger.

Pressure

Sometimes, you will feel pressure while biting the food. This can signal a damaged filling or damaged dental pulp.  Dentists can use specialized tools and x-ray to determine the spot, cracks or decay beneath the sauces. It’s best to replace your fillings in the early stages before you start to feel more pressure and discomfort.

Sharp Pain

In addition to pressure, you can start noticing the sharp and throbbing pain. Like pressure, it can go in a few minutes. It can be symptomatic while you are exposed to cold air during winter which is usually indicating the need for a new filling.

A toothache

Some people will experience a toothache. Inflammation may cause the pain in the dental pulp, which can happen as a result of a filling needing replacement.  If a toothache lasts longer then three days, schedule an appointment to prevent further complication with your dental health. If the pain last too long, pulp can develop an irreversible pulpitis, which eventually leads to necrosis.

Dark Spots

In addition to a physical sensation, sometimes you can see a sign that your fillings need replacement. One indication is that you encounter holes or dark spots during brushing or flossing. Paying attention to these signs is important cause you can minimize the risk of infection in your oral cavity by checking to your dentist as soon as possible.

Feel the tooth surface for roughness

Most people love the feeling of clean and fresh teeth. If you notice a tooth that never feels smooth after brushing or flossing you may need to check your fillings.

Keep an eye if anything makes roughness worse or better.

If any tooth is cracked, broken or you are missing the filling, you should make the appointment with a dentist.

Remember, always wash your hands with the soap and warm water before touching your mouth. This will minimize the risk of infection by introducing harmful bacteria into your mouth.

(01/06/2022)
by Advanced Laser Dentistry

More Information: https://azlaserdentistry.com/when-should-tooth-fillings-be-replaced/

Views: 319
Share


My BEST Dentists Journal Headlines