Cavities are areas in the hard enamel surface of your teeth that become damaged by decay, which can be caused by oral bacteria, eating too much sugar, and/or not brushing and flossing well.
The decayed areas form holes in the enamel, and if they aren’t treated, they grow larger, and the decay can spread to the inner tooth tissues, leading to toothaches, infection, and even tooth loss.
The treatment for cavities is usually a dental filling, which can be made out of many different materials. The filling plugs the hole and prevents further decay. It’s a long-lasting solution, but it doesn’t last forever. So, when should you get an old filling replaced?
At Hometown Family Dental Centers, with locations in Fayetteville, Vass, and Raeford, North Carolina, our expert dental professionals offer top-quality dental care, including cavity repair and fillings. Here, we talk about the importance of getting cavities filled and when it’s time to replace those fillings.
Dental fillings can be made out of many materials, including amalgam, composite resin, and glass ionomer.
Amalgam contains mercury mixed with silver, zinc, copper, and tin, and it’s silvery in color. That makes it good for back teeth, where you can’t see the restoration.
A resin composite consists of a resin base with silica, glass, or powdered quartz. It’s tooth-colored, so it works well for highly visible front teeth.
Glass ionomer fillings, made of silica glass powder, are also tooth-colored.
The lifespan of a filling depends on the materials. Amalgam can last 10-15 years, or sometimes even longer. Resin composite isn’t as sturdy, and it may last only 7-10 years. Glass ionomer lasts up to 15 years.
These numbers are just guidelines, though; they’re not a hard-and-fast deadline for needing to get a replacement. Signs you need to get a replacement include:
Pain is a good indicator that something is wrong. If your tooth becomes sensitive to temperature or touch, or if you experience pain or discomfort when chewing, it’s a sign you may need to get your filling replaced sooner rather than later.
If you sustain a face or mouth injury, it’s a good idea to have the dentist check your fillings to make sure they haven’t been compromised in any way.
If the seal between the tooth and its filling breaks, bacteria, food, and water can enter the inner structure, leading to further decay or infection. Symptoms that may indicate this is occurring include sensitivity to heat or cold, headaches, or bad breath.
If you have a very large filling, your remaining tooth structure may not be able to support it. In that case, the dentist may remove the filling and cover the tooth root with a dental crown.
Make sure you keep your semi-annual professional dental cleanings, as the dentist will check the status of your fillings at these appointments, and they can tell you if any need to be replaced before you have a problem.
Want more information about fillings or need to have a cavity filled? Hometown Family Dental Centers can help. To schedule an appointment, contact our office by phone or on the website.
