It is okay to choose to replace fillings at any time, however, there are some considerations. Any time a filling is replaced more tooth structure is removed weakening the tooth.
There is no predetermined number of times you can replace dental fillings. Generally, dentists refuse to replace dental fillings if the cavity expands to become too large. Your tooth loses integrity every time you must have the tooth-filling material replaced.
Once you have more filling material than natural tooth material your tooth no longer holds enough strength. In this instance, you might need an inlay, onlay, or dental crown to protect your tooth. You might also need a restoration instead of filling replacement if your tooth has several fillings in the same tooth.
During the filling process, some tooth cavities may require that the overall tooth be modified in shape by wedging or shaping. This can lead to a weakening in the overall structure of the tooth.
So, what can you expect from a filling replacement procedure? Well, it's mostly the same as a regular filling procedure, but with a tad more work on the part of the dentist, who will remove the old or damaged filling and replace it with a new one. As with any filling, you always have options.
Your Tooth Hurts
This can take the form of general, constant tooth pain and soreness, as well as sudden, deep tooth pain associated with tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet. Both types of pain can indicate that the filing is no longer creating a tight seal with the tooth, meaning that it needs to be replaced.
However, dentists do not recommend having more than three fillings at a time. Your mouth needs time to heal after the dental fillings procedure. Therefore, several fillings will make it harder for you to eat during the healing process.
On average, you can expect a metal filling to last for about 15 years before needing to be replaced, but the length of time can vary based on several factors, such as if you grind or clench your teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are made from a mixture of fine glass and plastic particles.
Sometimes, the bacteria in your mouth can work their way into the seam between an old dental filling and the tooth enamel. This can cause sensitivity, general discomfort, or increasing toothache pain. Without treatment, this could result in a severe cavity to within the tooth.
Composite fillings fill the cavity and bond directly to the patients teeth. Because of this, the tooth and filling work together. This means that composite fillings do not make your teeth weaker, but they may make your teeth stronger.
However, most teeth can safely have up to three fillings. If a tooth has more than three fillings, there is a greater risk of the tooth breaking or developing problems with the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth.
In general, adults develop an average of three cavities during their lifetimes. This means that the average adult has three or four fillings in their mouth. Some patients end up with ten or more fillings depending on how well they care for their teeth.
There are two main risks to getting fillings: infection and damage. Sometimes when you get a filling, it can pull away from the tooth which leaves a small space open. This space is an area where bacteria can get in and cause more tooth decay and infection. Cavity fillings can also break or fall out completely.
The Removal Process
The dentist will use a small tool to break up the existing filling and the suction to remove the vapors and particles from your mouth. The dentist may use a small instrument that actually fits over the tooth that pulls all vapors and material in as soon as it is broken loose from your tooth.
Although uncommon, if your composite filling needs a touchup, we can repair it by adding more composite material. Its easy application, durability, and natural aesthetics make composite the preferred material for fillings among our dentists as well.
If you wait too long and the tooth is left unprotected for more than 3 days, our dentists may have to place a dental crown. We care about your oral health and will ultimately determine what is best for you.
Some People Have No Idea They Have Decay Under Old Fillings
Old fillings will eventually crack and break. If you have a chipped amalgam filling, food particles and bacteria will seep into the healthy part of the tooth. Once that happens, new decay will form.
When you have spent time and money on getting a dental filling, suffering from a problem with it can be very frustrating, not to mention painful. If you have had a cavity filling that you feel has been done improperly, your dentist may be liable for failure to fulfill their duty of care to you.
Flossing removes the food particles that stick between your teeth that your toothbrush bristles cannot reach. However, there are concerns about flossing for people who have dental fillings. This is because the movement caused by flossing between teeth might dislodge or damage the filling.
A deep filling can get close to the tooth nerve and lead to inflammation. With time, your nerve will get better, and the sensitivity will be a thing of the past. But you'll have to be patient for a few weeks before things get better.
Fillings, like a natural tooth, can deteriorate over time. Take good care of your teeth, and your dental fillings should last as long as possible.
Though good oral hygiene that includes brushing and flossing helps in preventing cavities, you may still get cavities. The reasons can be many, like the spaces between teeth that easily trap food, consuming too much cavity-causing foods and beverages, avoiding regular professional-level cleanings and checkups, etc.
Cavities that develop quickly and unexpectedly may be the result of: Sudden Dietary Changes: You might have changed your diet in some way, including drinking more soda, adding more sugar to your coffee, eating more starchy or acidic foods, or consuming more sweets.
Diet – Tooth decay can often be caused by what we eat and drink. If you don't typically brush your teeth right after every meal you can cause some damage. Sugar can remain on the teeth, between them, and around your gumline as well. This can become a feeding ground or bacteria.