Tooth fillings are meant to take the place of a damaged tooth that has gone through decay from cavities or rotting. While fillings are a great treatment for teeth in bad shape, they may not last forever because they are not replacing the original tooth. Rather, they act as a way to restore the tooth from the damage that had occurred.
If proper dental care is followed by the person with the fillings, then they may be less likely to need replacements as soon. However, if a person doesn’t maintain a healthy dental routine, then they are more likely to need replacement fillings sooner rather than later.
All dental fillings are different depending on the person and the care given to them. There is not a set amount of time for a filling to last, this will depend solely on the care of the tooth and the surrounding teeth.
Although dental fillings are meant to take care of decay from the natural tooth, the filling itself can also decay over time. The constant wear and tear of chewing and biting can lead to decay on the surface of fillings. Decay may be noticed if there are spots that seem worn down, or if any discomfort occurs. Discomfort could come from the decaying filling which may allow bacteria to get in and underneath it.
It might be difficult to see any signs of decay, so visiting the dentist who can take a closer look will determine whether decay is present.
Just like with decay, any signs of cracking or chipping on the filling’s surface can lead to a variety of problems. This is an indicator that the filling needs to be looked at by a dentist and then replaced.
Cracks or chips on the surface of the filling can lead to eventual breakage of the whole filling which could pose a serious choking hazard threat, as well as a lot of discomfort from the actual tooth underneath the filling. Cracks or chips also allow for bacteria or food particles to seep underneath the filling. This may cause rotting of the actual tooth.
When consuming foods or drinks if a person notices either substance going into the filling, then this is another sign that the filling needs to be replaced. The filling may have gotten loose over time from constant chewing or biting. A leak can be dangerous because it could allow for build up of food particles beneath the filling which may lead to erosion or decay of the natural tooth.
Dental fillings can be a blessing to any person that is experiencing decay or erosion of their natural teeth. However, maintaining the fillings after the procedure is just as important because proper care will ensure that they last a long time. Improper care of the fillings may lead to replacement a lot sooner than expected.
If you still have questions or concerns regarding dental fillings and when they need to be replaced, please reach out to us today! We’re happy to assist in any way we can.
Are you considering dental fillings in the Nampa area? Get more information at https://www.nampaidahodentist.com.
Dental fillings are a quick and convenient way to treat tooth decay or fractured teeth. It only takes one session in a dentist's chair to get a tooth filled. And the session does not take very long; on average, the dentist will take about an hour to fill a tooth.If you think that you need…
Normal tooth wear is pretty common. A person can brush and floss regularly, but there will still be tooth wear with time. Although many dental advancements have been made over time, no matter how careful a person is with their teeth, they are still likely to have normal wear and tear.Knowing all about the normal wear and tear on teeth can help…
Looking for information on how dental bonding is used for cosmetic dentistry reasons? Dental bonding is a procedure in which a dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin to one or more teeth in order to repair them. With proper care, bonding can last upwards of 10 years before needing a touch-up or replacement.Want to know…
Anyone who has damaged or missing teeth knows how important it is to go to a skilled cosmetic dentist. For treatment this important, you do not want to enlist the help of just anyone. With careful research, you can find a professional you feel good about to meet your oral health needs. Then, you can…
Dental veneers have multiple uses and can be a good way to restore your smile. This treatment also protects a damaged tooth from deteriorating even more. If you have a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth, this could be the right approach to having a beautiful smile you can be proud of. You can also get…
Preventing dental problems by visiting a family dentist is the most effective way to maintain optimal oral health for all patients, young and old. With the help of a qualified family dentist, preventative care allows for early detection and treatment of oral issues. Naturally, patients need to play their parts at home, but a qualified…
Our top priority is the health and well-being of our patients, families, staff, and community. In this unprecedented time, we are deeply committed to keeping everyone safe. In light of the evolving pandemic and out of an abundance of caution, we believe in following the CDC and The American Dental Association's guidelines. A great deal of care, research, and planning has guided our decision to practice all aspects of Dentistry as of May 1st, 2020. Our office is a certified Covid-19 safety zone. With the health and well-being of our patients, our families, our team, and our community, we look forward to treating all of your Dental needs.
We wish all of you continued health and strength during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chris Satchwell