We can try replacing the filling if the tooth will allow it, or we will need to do additional treatments. For deep fillings that sit upon the root of a tooth, you will probably need a root canal. A root canal is used when the nerve becomes inflamed or infected.
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.
However, if a filling fails, then the tooth can quickly become re-infected and require further restoration. Due to extensive tooth damage, a filling may no longer suffice and you may require root canal treatment or tooth extraction to stop the decay from spreading.
There are many signs that your filling may need to be replaced. Some of these include sensitivity to hot or cold food or beverages, an uneven surface, cracking, chipping, or decay around the filling, a broken tooth again, shifting of a tooth's position, or a change in the color of a tooth after it has been filled.
A bad filling could cause you to feel some sharp tooth pain when biting down and chewing with the tooth and may undergo changes in texture and coloring in the surrounding tooth enamel as bacteria affects the seam that seals the filling to the tooth enamel.
If that is the case, our dentist may recommend a replacement filling. 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.
There is no single number of how many times you can have a filling replaced. Usually, we will stop replacing the dental filling after the hole becomes too large. Once you have more filling material than natural tooth material your tooth no longer holds enough strength.
For example, if your dentist had recommended a crown instead of a filling, then it won't be surprising the filling fell out. Therefore, your dentist will likely charge you to refill it and stress the need for the crown.
Dental X-rays can be taken to evaluate the teeth for decay under dental fillings or even between teeth. If a filling has failed or decay is detected on the X-rays, the fillings will have to be replaced. If the recurrent decay is extensive, a dentist may need to use a crown to replace the filling.
The longer you wait to fill a cavity, the more likely it becomes that you will need a root canal to repair the damage to the tooth.
Occasionally, a chemical reaction will occur in the filling that causes it not to bond with your tooth, thus falling out in the days or weeks after being placed in your tooth. This is no fault of the dentist or you and is also easily fixable if you schedule an appointment.
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.
How do you know if you need a root canal? Root canals are needed for a cracked tooth from injury or genetics, a deep cavity, or issues from a previous filling. Patients generally need a root canal when they notice their teeth are sensitive, particularly to hot and cold sensations.
If the filling is too close to the nerve, it may get infected slowly. Dentists can't predict the time frame for the tooth to become infected. If infected, you may experience a throbbing pain or a dental abscess.
Certain restorations are guaranteed for 12 months (including lost items) from the completion date of the original one being fitted. The restorations which are guaranteed are1, 2: permanent fillings.
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.
When fitted badly, filling can actually increase decay, meaning more fillings are needed in other teeth.
Do dental fillings hurt when they're replaced? Dental fillings should never hurt when they're replaced since patients will always be given a local anaesthetic to ease any discomfort.
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.
The number of fillings you can get will depend on a few factors, including the size and location of the tooth, the filling material used, and the dentist's skills. However, most teeth can safely have up to three fillings.
Removal of each filling may take less than one minute, depending on its size and location. The focus of a Mercury-safe approach will be to remove the filling(s) with as little drilling as possible.
They will also be able to see if your filling has cracks or has worn away. Your dentist will also use dental X-rays to see if there is any tooth decay underneath your fillings and between your teeth that is hard to detect by just looking at a tooth.