Why You Should Replace Your Old Dental Fillings
A dental filling is a common way to fix a tooth that has been damaged by decay. It is usually a simple procedure that takes a short time. But a filling replacement is done to replace the part of the tooth that has been lost to decay. It can help to make your teeth last longer and healthier.
The main goal of a filling is to remove the decayed part, clean it well, and fill the space with a material. It makes the tooth look and work normally again.
A filling replacement can also improve how your jaw works for better chewing and biting. Many people with cavities also have problems because of the loss of enamel. This can also be improved with a filling. But it is important to take good care of it regularly.
Why You Should Replace Your Filling
If you have a small to medium decay that needs dental care, your dentist may suggest a filling replacement. Over time, old fillings can break, crack, or wear out and cause more damage to your teeth. That is why you should consider replacing your fillings.
The process of replacing fillings has two steps. First, the dentist will carefully remove all the old filling material from your teeth and clean your teeth to get them ready for the new fillings. Then, They fill your cavities with a strong and lasting dental material. The filling replacement is used to fix small cracks or decay in the teeth as a way to restore them.
Removing a filling is also a simple process. To start, your dentist will look at your mouth and use dental tools to check the cavity. They will take an X-ray of the tooth or teeth to see how big the cavity is and remove the damaged filling.
How to Know If You Need a New Filling
A filling is not permanent, and it will need to be replaced at some point. Replacing your old fillings in a safe and friendly place makes them last longer.
You may notice some signs that your filling needs to be replaced, such as:
• The area around your filling starts to change color
• The filling becomes loose
• You feel sensitive to cold or sweet foods
• Your dentist sees shadows around the edge of your fillings on an X-ray
• Having a dental check-up every 6 months is a good idea. It will make sure that your fillings are in good shape. Your dentist will only take X-rays, and early signs of your filling failing can be seen by looking at them.
Signs That You May Need a Filling
Remember, when you have signs, it means the problem is already big. You need to act fast and see a dentist right away!
Some signs that you may need dental fillings are:
• Pain or soreness when biting down
• Food getting stuck between your teeth
• Ache in your tooth
• Roughness of a tooth felt by your tongue
• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods/drinks
If your fillings are bad or have decay, you need to replace them. Sometimes, adding a filling can make your tooth healthier. The American Dental Association supports the use of amalgam as a safe, strong, and effective way to treat decay.
Don’t wait too long to replace your fillings. If you do, you may get bacteria and infections in your teeth and gums, which can cause pain and decay. To keep your mouth healthy, you need to have a good seal between your fillings and your teeth. If the seal is broken, you may have more problems later.
If you are not sure if you should change or replace your fillings or not, the experienced dentist at Grafton Dental in Pleasant Hill can help you understand your options and what is best for you. Contact them today to have a great experience!
