The silver (amalgam) fillings that were used for many years contained a mixture of metal alloy containing, silver, tin, copper and mercury. As with many metals that are exposed to a wet environment they will begin to break down and oxidize, often times turning black.
When fluids leak underneath a filling, staining and decay may develop. Leakage may appear as a dark line around the edge of the filling or a dark area underneath the filling itself. White fillings may turn a darker color over time from smoking, drying out or exposure to high staining foods or drinks.
White composite tooth fillings wait to turn darker over time from drying out from smoking or exposure to high-staining drinks and foods. Also, a composite filling might turn black when exposed to avert environments because it begins to break down and oxidize.
If you have old metal amalgam fillings, particularly near the front of your mouth, you may be interested in replacing metal fillings with white ones. This is a safe and simple procedure and can help to restore confidence in your smile.
Recurrent decay is tooth decay that forms under existing fillings and crowns because of leakage around the dental restorations. Constant pressure from chewing or stress from grinding and clenching can cause fillings to crack, chip or wear away. These problems leave gaps and allow bacteria to get under the filling.
Symptoms to Watch For With Tooth Decay Under Fillings
Brown/black staining around the edges of the filling. A change in how your filling fits your tooth. A bad taste (or bad breath) in your mouth that doesn't go away.
When a cavity forms under dental fillings, this is known as recurrent decay. This can happen when fillings and crowns are not properly installed, causing them to leak. Any kind of dental restoration can still leave some of the decay behind, which will spread to the rest of the tooth if not properly sealed.
Amalgam fillings are worse because they corrode (see below), turning black. The black appearance of metal fillings can be as bad as or worse than the cavity they fill. Because of the way that metal from the filling permeates your tooth, black fillings can completely discolor your teeth.
Unless your filling is noticeably damaged or has suffered suffer trauma or decay, there is practically little to no reason to have it replaced. Although at times you can be prone to tooth sensitivity due to the nature of the materials and color of dark fillings (Colors and materials conduct temperatures differently).
Sometimes the cure is almost as bad as the disease, and that's the case for metal amalgam fillings. Amalgam can be used to fill in a cavity, but the silver metal can turn dark as it oxidizes. Sometimes, the filling can even make the entire tooth turn dark in color.
There are options to replace the dark filling with tooth coloured filling materials, inlays or crowns. However, in some cases extraction and replacement with bridges or implant crowns may be a better long-term solution.
Stained fillings cannot be whitened, they must be replaced to correct. There are a couple of reasons why you have stained fillings. Firstly, the plastic that they are made of slowly breaks down over time. So the surface of the filling becomes rough and porous.
Composite tooth fillings can often yellow or brown over time due to foods and beverages you intake, or other variables. If you get your teeth professionally whitened, the composite filling will not brighten and may be more noticeable.
Amalgam fillings are durable and effective, which is why they have been used for well over 100 years. 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.
Particles of this dead root permeate the dentin, and since the dentin is very porous, this causes the dentin to darken in colour as well. Since the enamel is translucent, the colour of the dentin shows through. This discolouration of the tooth stays the same even after root canal treatment.
Dental Amalgam Graphics
Dental amalgam is a dental filling material used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay. Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals, consisting of liquid (elemental) mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper.
Making your teeth stronger
Unlike black fillings, you can use your white fillings immediately after they have been done without fear of them falling out. White fillings can be bonded to your tooth very effectively, often making the tooth stronger than before. So, there is no need to have black fillings any longer.
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.
Fractures or Discoloration. You should consider having dental fillings replaced if you see tiny fractures in the material, notice any visible gaps forming between the filling and your tooth, or if you detect discoloration where it meets your natural tooth.
Dental fillings that are going bad may become discolored. You may also be able to see where the filling is becoming separated from the tooth. It is not uncommon for a bad feeling to cause no noticeable symptoms. This is one reason why it is so important to schedule regular checkups with our dental office.
During your checkup, our dentists will order periodic X-rays to evaluate the integrity of your dental work. If we see a dark shadow developing around your restoration, it's a clue that new decay has developed around the margins and seeped under the filling.
Most adults will need to have one or more of them replaced during their lifetime. There is no set timeline for when dental fillings need to be replaced. Dentists do not typically remove old fillings just because they are a certain age. Instead, they consider the filling material and the patient's dental habits.
These are traditionally black or silver in colour and otherwise known as dental amalgam. This liquid mercury and metal alloy filling has been around since 1904. Amalgam was originally used and favoured for its intense strength, durability and easy application.