Unfortunately, at one point or another, most people will get at least one cavity. When they do, it needs to be treated so that the infection doesn’t spread and negatively affect their oral health. To be treated, the dentist must use dental filling to replace the decayed area of the tooth so that there isn’t a whole left behind. If you’ve ever gotten a cavity treated, then you may have forgotten about the filling after years of having it. That said, there is one thing you should ask yourself: should you replace old fillings?
Do Old Fillings Need to Be Replaced?
Dental fillings are meant to last for many years, but eventually they’ll need to be replaced. In general, fillings last about 10 to 15 years, so there’s no wonder why you may forget about them. Since you may not keep track of how long you’ve had them, that’s why seeing your dentist regularly is important, as they will help identify when it’s time to replace your old fillings.
The reason why fillings eventually need to be replaced is due to everyday wear and tear. Although the filling is meant to protect your tooth, it may not be fully doing its job after years of use, and can even crack or fall out. You want to prevent this from happening because this can invite new bacteria into the mouth. This is because the bacteria can enter the tiny spaces between the tooth and the filling, which is hard to clean with floss or a toothbrush.
How to Know if Your Filling Needs to Be Replaced
Some of the signs that a filling should be replaced include:
- Tooth sensitivity while eating: Your body will likely give you signs that your filling needs to be replaced, such as tooth sensitivity, especially with temperature and sweets. You may also notice a sharp pain or pressure while eating. This sensitivity will usually go away fairly quickly, but it’s important that you pay attention to any of these symptoms.
- Constant toothache: Toothaches are often caused by inflammation in the dental pulp, which can occur when a filling needs to be replaced. This toothache can occur while you’re eating, but it can also last for days or longer.
- Obvious visual indicators: There are different visual indicators that will let you know that you should ask your dentist to check your filling, such as holes or dark spots in your tooth. You can also feel the surface of your tooth for roughness, as it should feel smooth after brushing and flossing. Another clear sign to watch out for is a broken or cracked filling.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should speak with your dentist and determine a treatment plan. This will help prevent tooth decay from occurring.
Do You Really Need Your Fillings Replaced?
We’ve already defined that all fillings need to be replaced eventually. That said, if your dentist tells you that it’s time to replace your fillings and you’re not experiencing any symptoms, you may be hesitant about replacing them. Instead of going through with a procedure that you may not need, you can always get a second opinion from a dentist online. When you submit your x-rays, a board certified dentist will review the information and offer their professional opinion. This will help you determine if you truly need the procedure, before you spend time and money on it.
