Dental fillings are undoubtedly the most common treatment people choose today. One of the main reasons a patient visits the dentist is to have a cavity filled. When tooth enamel starts to deteriorate, a filling is required. A filling will prevent the cavity from growing or spreading. We all want to maintain healthy, white smiles and preserve our natural teeth for as long as feasible.
Early detection of problems, particularly cavities, can be achieved with a routine six-month dental examination. To stop additional deterioration or issues, your dentist can rapidly fill a cavity. The subject of how long a filling will endure comes up every time. How can you determine whether a redo is necessary? Don’t worry; your dentist will notify you of any problems with your existing fillings if you see them regularly. To determine whether your cavity needs to be filled, there are a few indications to look out for between appointments at the dental clinic Akron, OH.
The Amalgam Filling Is Either Missing Or Damaged
If you see a gap where your filling used to be, that is the clearest indication that it needs to be changed. Usually, if the filling has fallen out, you can locate it or portions of it. If your current filling has cracked, it’s the next most evident indication that you need a new one after losing it completely. There are times when you can see or feel a filled crack, but they are not always obvious. Call your dentist immediately if your filling has fallen out or is broken.
The Filling Has A Discolored Appearance
Nowadays, most fillings are made to blend in with the surrounding tooth structure’s natural color. However, metal can also be utilized in certain situations. A discolored filling may indicate the need for replacement in both situations once tooth-colored fillings turn yellow or slightly darker when they need to be changed. It is also necessary to replace any metal fillings that have begun to darken, as this typically indicates that they are beginning to corrode.
Cracks Or Damage Visible
Sometimes, the damage to a dental filling is truly visible. If you see obvious wear, chips, or cracks, it’s time for a filling change. Bacteria can enter your tooth through even tiny flaws, causing deterioration underneath the filling. Replacing damaged fillings is essential in restorative dentistry to avoid more serious problems like extractions or root canals. Don’t wait to have your filling examined if it no longer appears to be as intact or smooth as it once was.
Discoloration Or Areas Of Darkness
Has the color of your dental filling changed? Fillings may darken over time due to material deterioration or discoloration. Dark patches on your filling or the tooth around it could indicate that rot is beginning to spread behind the filling.
What Is The Typical Lifespan Of Fillings?
Dental fillings can last anywhere from five to thirty years, depending on the material and how well they are maintained. That’s a wide range, and it mostly depends on the filling technique. With proper care, a filling should last 10 or 15 years, but some may not even last that long. The duration of a new or replacement filling can be estimated using the following data.
How Often Can a Filling Be Replaced?
Each tooth can have an arbitrary number of replacements. Remember that more tooth structure is removed to make room for a filling each time it is inserted. When too much of the natural tooth structure has been removed, an alternative is required to bridge the gap.
Nonetheless, most people have no problems having their fillings changed several times during their lifetime. Early cavity detection is crucial for minimizing material removal during the initial filling process.
Conclusion
Your natural smile and fillings should last long if you maintain good health and always keep your dentist’s appointments. Contact your dentist immediately if you observe any changes in your fillings. This needs to be fixed as quickly as feasible.
