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.
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.
It's common to notice your white fillings are turning black. Staining or change of color in your white fillings may indicate a problem. Discolouration under your fillings it could be due to a number of reasons. Any of these problems will likely mean your white fillings need replacing.
Stained fillings cannot be whitened, they must be replaced to correct.
The choice to replace dark fillings is often personal. Fillings can often become gray or dark as a result of time. However, some people prefer to have them replaced to create a more cosmetically appealing appearance.
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.
Unfortunately, you cannot whiten a tooth-colored filling. Hydrogen peroxide, the main teeth whitening agent, can whiten the enamel but not the tooth-colored filling. This is because the same process that the chemicals used to whiten your teeth will not work on fillings, crowns, or veneers.
Many patients see their composite fillings lasting for about ten years. But if you take really great care of your fillings, they may be able to last you longer than that — and even a lifetime!
You can smile and laugh with confidence once again when your dark amalgam fillings are replaced with tooth-colored composite fillings. You can get the process started by talking to your dentist about options for replacing your dark fillings.
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.
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.
If you see any discoloration, chipping, or darkening beneath the filling, schedule an appointment with your dentist soon. These are often signs that the filling needs to be replaced due to more extensive tooth decay beneath the filling.
You Have A Dark Filling Showing Through
In reality, the tissue of your tooth is still its usual white color but because light and color can gently show through your tissue layers, the filling darkens your tooth. The result? It looks sort of grey or dim.
Using your toothbrush and floss correctly will tend to keep these fillings looking good and maintain their proper color. A stained restoration may need to be replaced due to decay. Still, if a restoration has stained and did not have decay, it may be polished or buffed with polishing discs to revitalize it.
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.
White fillings are weaker than silver fillings and might not last as long. There is a higher chance of cavities reforming under the filling, called recurrent decay, with white fillings.
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.
Composite fillings may be toxic if they contain Bisphenol A (BPA) or other toxic materials. As those fillings wear down over time, toxic materials used in a composite blend may seep into the oral cavity.
There is no need to wait to brush your teeth after a dental filling. You can continue brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day.
While multiple fillings options are available to restore teeth, Dr. Karl Jobst works with white fillings, which are also known as composite fillings or tooth-colored fillings. The natural-looking fillings blend in seamlessly with the color and luster of your natural tooth.
After removing the old silver filling material, your dentist prepares the tooth for the new filling, onlay, or dental crown. A new filling takes only one visit. An inlay, onlay or dental crown will take two visits with a provisional restoration.
redness inside the mouth, or outside the mouth on the face or jaw. sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink in the affected area. a bad taste in your mouth. difficulty opening your mouth and chewing food.
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.
White composite fillings can last between seven to 10 years
According to the Materials journal, most white composite fillings will last around 7-10 years in healthy individuals.