While we would all love to believe that our dental fillings will last a lifetime, they do not. In fact, they need to be replaced a couple of times, all due to general wear and tear, and failure to do so can leave your teeth exposed to problems and issues.
That being said, the question is this: when should I replace my dental fillings? Well, the answer isn’t clear and cut. Some people’s fillings may last much longer than others. However, there are signs you can keep an eye out for signaling that your fillings will soon need replacing:
Sign 1. There’s Visible Damage
If you can see that your fillings have been damaged, they certainly need replacing. If you bite into something hard and the filling in the tooth breaks, you need to get it replaced. If you find that the filling is just worn out and loose, the fillings can still be replaced.
In any case that you find that your fillings have been damaged, you should get them replaced as soon as possible. Leaving them damaged will only worsen the issue, leaving you at greater risk of oral problems and making it harder for the dentist to properly treat your tooth or teeth.
Sign 2. The Tooth Is Hurting
It is possible for the tooth to just hurt, as well. This happens if the filling is loose and the tooth is vibrating in response to biting, chewing, and even speaking.
Either way, a tooth that is hurting should be checked out as soon as possible, as pain shouldn’t be a part of your daily experience.
Sign 3. Teeth Sensitivity Is Back
If you recently had your fillings replaced, you experienced some tooth sensitivity, but that should go away after a couple of days or so. However, if you find that the tooth that has been filled is still sensitive or that sensitivity has come back for good, then you may need to replace them again. The cause for this is many, some of which being that the filling has been damaged and has left your teeth vulnerable.
Either way, if your filled tooth is sensitive, check with the doctor. The faster you treat it, the quicker you can get back to living a pain-free life.
Sign 4. The Tooth Is Loose
Teeth that are cracked, chipped, or have worn down roots may begin to feel loose and may even fall out. If this is the case, you should see a dentist right away and get the tooth replaced.
The best thing to do in this case, or in any other case, is to stay in touch with your dentist and schedule regular dental visits. This way, you can be sure that your teeth are as healthy as they can be and that you are doing all that you can to maintain them in the best way possible.
Conclusion
All in all, the more you schedule regular visits to the dentist and care for your teeth and gums, the longer they will last. However, even with the best care, teeth do wear out, and they may lose their fillings. This is normal and should be expected as you get older. And, of course, with that in mind, you should be visiting your dentist to keep your fillings and overall oral health in check!
Danvers Aesthetic Family Dentistry offers quality dental services to help patients get the oral solutions they need for a better smile. If you are looking for the best dental office in Danvers to replace your fillings, book an appointment with us today!