Six Signs Your Filling Needs to be Replaced

Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall well-being, and dental fillings play a vital role in preserving the integrity of your teeth. These fillings may eventually deteriorate or cause problems, necessitating maintenance and replacement.

Today, most dental fillings last for several years. Whether it’s been 10 or 20 years since you had your filling placed, it will eventually give out. Let our dentists know if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

You’ve Noticed Sensitivity When You Eat

When you bite and chew, does pressure cause pain in your teeth? Sensitivity that seems worse in one particular area of your mouth usually means a tooth is compromised or starting to get infected. If you find yourself wincing or experiencing discomfort when consuming hot, cold or sweet foods, it could be a sign that your dental filling is on the verge of retirement.

There’s a Rough Edge

Can you feel a rough surface when you rub your tongue across the tooth? This could suggest a gap between the surrounding enamel and the filling. Not only can this pose a risk to your oral health, but it can also be a source of irritation and discomfort. If you notice any, don’t just ignore it. To maintain the integrity of your tooth, smoothing out or replacing the filling may be necessary.

It’s Started to Change Colours Around the Edges

When your teeth are healthy it boasts a consistent color. When older fillings start to leak, they tend to let stains and discolouration start to seep into the margins next to the tooth. This process can create a dark lining around the filling, almost making it appear as if there’s a cavity. A visit to our Wantrina practice can determine whether it’s just an old filling or active decay. This helps in timely intervention to prevent further damage.

There’s Darkness on Your X-ray

During your checkup, our dentists will order periodic X-rays to evaluate the integrity of your dental work. If we see a dark shadow developing around your restoration, it’s a clue that new decay has developed around the margins and seeped under the filling. The dark spots suggest a weakened enamel. Addressing these promptly is vital to prevent the spread of decay to the surrounding tooth structure. They are a powerful diagnostic tool for detecting issues.

Something Feels Odd

When something feels off about your smile, you can usually tell. Tiny changes as small as a fraction of a millimetre can be felt in your teeth, even if you are unable to identify the precise issue. These should not be ignored. Communicate any odd feelings or discomfort to our dentist during your visit. We can identify the root cause of the issue and recommend an appropriate solution, which may involve replacing the filling.

Recurring Bad Breath

When a filling begins to deteriorate or there’s a breach in its seal, bacteria can find their way into the crevices, leading to an unpleasant odour. If you notice persistent bad breath despite maintaining good oral hygiene practices, it’s time to consider the state of your dental filling.

Staying alert to these signs can empower you to take proactive steps in maintaining your oral health. Your oral health is an integral part of your overall well-being, so treat it with the care it deserves.

Think you need to have your filling changed out? Call Studfield Dental Group in Wantrina today to schedule an exam.