When to change fillings, since they do not last forever
Over time, a filling tends to lose its properties. Depending on the packing you have, it becomes darker or more yellow. This problem is due to the consumption of food and drinks.
Also, every time we chew, the fillings receive significant loads and are subject to pressure. This can be the leading cause of cracking, splitting, or falling off whole, with the consequent problem this can cause us in our oral health. Think, for example, of the bacteria and bits of food that can seep under a cracked or leaking filling. Since you can’t reach with the toothbrush to clean those areas, the bacteria feed on the leftover food and form the acid that causes tooth decay. A cavity under a filling can get big before you notice it, so check your fillings regularly with your dentist and change them when there are any problems.
The importance of periodic reviews
So a simple follow-up visit can go a long way. You may need an X-ray if your dentist thinks a filling may be cracked or to see if decay has developed under the filling. But, first of all, it is necessary to go to that review if you notice sensitivity in a tooth or a filled tooth when you eat something cold, hot, or sweet food; if you see a crack or chip, if you feel sharp or constant pain, or if part of a filling appears to be missing.
Before removing the previous filling you had, the dentist will analyze and propose the treatment options with you. It is often possible to repair an old filling rather than remove and replace it entirely. In some cases, a packing may even be intact but still need to be replaced because of a crack or leak. And since in both cases it can cause cavities, it is best to change the filling.
Suppose the filling needs to be replaced entirely. In that case, the dentist can determine which filling material to use and will always choose the best one for you because sometimes it may be worth changing the material that has been used so far in the future—subsequent filling.
Types of filling
There are many types of fillings:
- Silver amalgams (the silver-colored ones were very common in the past, although rarely used today).
- Composite fillings – made of a hard plastic that is the same color.
- Ceramic fillings – made of porcelain with a material that is durable, strong, and very resistant to stains.
At Amora Dental Clinic, we always advise our patients to make regular visits to the dentist. It is essential to undergo professional dental cleanings to have a healthy mouth. And aside from brushing your teeth two or three times a day, daily.
If you have many fillings or one that is very extensive on the surface, you can use an extra dose of fluoride in your hygiene to strengthen your teeth. Fluoride will help protect your tooth enamel and prevent future cavities.
