When do fillings need to be replaced

Amalgam fillings are strong, durable, and highly resistant to wear while being relatively inexpensive. Amalgam fillings, along with gold fillings, can last up to 15 years. However, these fillings do not match the colour of a tooth and can be quite noticeable. Composite fillings are made of acrylic resin and glass-like particles that are finely ground. Composite fillings are durable and fracture-resistant for small- to mid-sized restorations with moderate chewing.

These fillings may need replacing after five years, while ceramic fillings may need replacement after seven years. These fillings not only restore teeth but they also provided added protection with fluoride. Glass ionomers are made of organic acid and fine glass powder that contains fluoride. The result of combining these materials is a solid tooth-coloured restoration that releases fluoride in the tooth.

During a dental examination, your dentist will use an instrument called an explorer to detect worn out spots along the edge of the filling. They will also be able to see if your filling has cracks or has worn away. Your dentist will also use dental X-rays to see if there is any tooth decay underneath your fillings and between your teeth that is hard to detect by just looking at a tooth.

If your dentist discovers that your filling is worn out, cracked, or missing, be sure to replace the filling as soon as possible to avoid worsened complications, such as pain, tooth decay, infection, and more costly dental procedures. Your dentist might also recommend other treatments—such as a custom night guard—to protect your teeth and fillings if you are prone to grinding and clenching your teeth while you sleep.

So visit your dentist if you suspect your fillings need replacement and replace damaged or missing fillings to keep your teeth healthy and pain-free. Book An Appointment Today. April 5, Those great looking composite fillings that are designed to appear like your natural teeth could discolor over time. They could pick up stains and darken into an unattractive—and obvious—hue.

At this point, you could have those fillings replaced, so they look like new and blend in beautifully with the rest of your teeth. Each time you chew, your fillings will be placed under a lot of pressure.

Therefore, fillings could deteriorate over time as a result of daily wear and tear. A filling could end up cracking, leaking, or even falling out, requiring a timely replacement. In the case of leaky or cracked fillings, you should get them replaced right away. Tiny pieces of food, as well as bacteria, could make their way underneath a compromised filling.

Your filling wears out — At some point your dental filling will give out and become too worn to protect your tooth. There is no single number of how many times you can have a filling replaced. Usually, we will stop replacing the dental filling after the hole becomes too large. Once you have more filling material than natural tooth material your tooth no longer holds enough strength. In this instance, you might need an inlay, onlay, or dental crown to protect your tooth.

You might also need a restoration instead of filling replacement if your tooth has several fillings in the same tooth. Do you need a dental filling or dental filling replacement in Los Gatos?