Blog Post

5 Signs That a Filling Needs Replacement

  • By websitebuilder
  • •
  • 25 Feb, 2019
  • •
Fillings should last for years. Even basic composite fillings should do their job for around five years; stronger materials like amalgam and gold can last for up to 15 years.

However, some fillings don't last for average timescales. Some last longer than you expect; others develop problems that shorten their lives. Generally, you get some signs if a filling needs to be replaced, but some signs are more obvious than others.
   
How can you tell if one of your fillings should be replaced?

1. Signs of Damage

Fillings sometimes fracture and break. This often happens when you eat something hard or chewy. So if you're eating and you suddenly realise that you have a piece of filling in your mouth, then a quick check in the mirror may show that some of the filling has broken away from the tooth.

Other signs of damage include white or dark spots on the tooth around the filling site. These spots may be signs of decay. Even a tiny crack in the filling can affect its ability to protect the tooth.

Some fillings look intact but start to feel rough when you put your tongue over them. Fillings should feel smooth, and signs of roughness are a sign that the filling is wearing down.

2. Pain in the Tooth

You can't always see obvious signs of damage on a filling. Tiny chips and cracks may not be visible when you look at the tooth in the mirror. However, if the filling doesn't give an intact seal, its tooth may develop problems. The tooth may become painful.

The tooth may ache or throb all the time. Or you may only notice problems when you eat or drink. The tooth may feel sensitive to hot or cold, or it may feel painful or tense when you eat on it. This pain may not last long, but it'll return next time you eat or drink.

3. Floss Shredding

If you have a filling in the side of a tooth, then you can't see any or all of the filling. It sits out of sight between two teeth. While it is harder to see problems on these fillings, your floss may give you a clue that all is not well.

For example, if you floss between the two teeth and the floss is slightly shredded when you take it out, then the filling may be damaged. If the filling has chipped or broken off, then its edges will be rough. These edges catch on the floss and break its strands.

4. Bad Breath and Bad Tastes

If a filling fails, then you may develop a nasty case of bad breath. You may also have a bad taste in your mouth. This smell or taste doesn't go away even after you clean your teeth. If this taste or smell is down to a problem filling, then it's a sign that you have some decay issues going on behind the scenes.

5. Colour Changes

Sometimes, you may choose to have a filling replaced for cosmetic reasons. For example, if you have an old white filling, then the filling may not look white any longer. It may have discoloured. This makes the filling stand out rather than blend in with the rest of the tooth.

Or if you have recently had your teeth whitened, then your old filling may look like an eyesore. It won't be affected by the whitening treatment, so it will look dingy or yellow compared to the rest of its tooth. In these cases, putting in a new filling gives the tooth a more even colour again.

If you're worried that you've got a damaged filling or want to replace an old filling that doesn't look good, then contact the Steve King Dental Group. One of our experienced dentists can quickly check out your suspect filling and let you know if any work needs to be done.

Wisdom Teeth

By websitebuilder • July 2, 2019

Wisdom teeth are the most posterior teeth located at the end of the upper and lower jaws. They are the last teeth to erupt into the arch and usually erupt during your late teens to early twenties. Often there is not enough space for the wisdom teeth to erupt properly into arch and this can lead to issues such as infections and tooth decay. If your wisdom teeth are erupting, it is a good idea to make an appointment with us and have an assessment conducted. Our dentist will be able to easily tell you if your wisdom teeth will cause problems or if they will not require any treatment.

Whitening

By websitebuilder • July 2, 2019

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile book an appointment to see one our lovely dentist. Teeth whitening is a simple and effective method which can produce rapid results to help you achieve the smile you desire. There are several factors which can discolour your teeth such as foods, tea and coffee, soft-drinks as well as yellowing through the natural process of aging. Our dentists will be able to easily identify the source of your discolouration and create a treatment plan with you to achieve the smile you desire.

Root Canal

By websitebuilder • July 2, 2019

Root canal treatment is conducted in order to remove an infected or necrotic pulp from within the tooth and replace it with a long-lasting filling. The dental pulp is located in the centre of a tooth and consist of nerve fibres, blood vessels and other dental cells. If the pulp is compromised due to infection or injury patient will often experience a severe tooth ache and may require a root canal.

Regular Check-ups and Oral hygiene

By websitebuilder • July 2, 2019

It is highly recommended to see a dentist regularly in order to protect your oral health. At Steve King Dental Group, we recommend 6 monthly check-ups accompanied with a professional scale and clean. This allows us to identify any potential problems at the earliest stage possible and create a treatment plan to address your needs.

Emergency Dentistry

By websitebuilder • July 2, 2019

At Steve King Dental group, we understand that not all problems occur during working hours; If you have had an accident, knocked a tooth or are in pain, please call our practise immediately on ..... Our dentist are available after hours, as such we can get you out of pain and relaxed quickly. We recommend not to delay treatment as you may put yourself at risk of further complications.

7 Steps to Deal With a Broken Dental Crown

By websitebuilder • February 26, 2019
A dental crown can break if you bite down too hard. If this happens to you, take these steps to minimise pain and get your dental crown repaired quickly.

3 Signs You Need New Dentures

By websitebuilder • December 11, 2018
When your dentures start to reach the end of their life, they give you hints that you may need to replace them. How can you tell if you need new dentures?

Nervous About the Dentist? How to Handle Dental Anxiety

By websitebuilder • December 7, 2018
If you ever experience some anxiety before your dental appointment, you're not alone. Learn some ways on how to handle your dental anxiety.
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