There is no perfect replacement for a healthy tooth. A tooth that has decay will need treatment with a tooth filling or other restoration depending on the degree of decay damage.
A tooth filling may last several years before needing to be replaced. Fillings are however subject to stress from chewing, clenching or grinding teeth, which puts tremendous force on fillings and tooth enamel. These factors can cause a filling to wear away, chip, crack or even fall out.
Some of the most common reasons a tooth filling may need to be replaced are:
Worn Edges: A tooth filling may eventually wear around the edges or pull away from the surrounding tooth enamel leaving a space for bacteria to enter and cause decay around the margins of the filling.
Poor Oral Hygiene: A poor diet, gum recession or a lack of saliva can contribute to tooth decay. If recurring tooth decay is not treated early it can progress deeper into the tooth causing need for further treatment.
Amalgam Fillings: Older amalgam fillings should be replaced with newer composite material for a more natural looking tooth surface. Composite fillings also restore the original strength of the tooth.
Regular dental examinations are important because problems like these can be detected at an early stage to prevent greater damage. If you are experiencing issues with an existing tooth filling, then please contact us so we may examine the area and find the best solution to treat it.
I did not know that worn edges could mean you needed filling. I always thought filling were exclusive to cavities, but I guess not. I have a few teeth with some worn edges so I might need to see a dentist about that. Thanks for the advice!
It’s amazing how much the new fillings improved the look of the teeth in the picture you included! I’ll admit that my fillings are probably getting a bit old and should probably be restored soon. Even though I try to keep good oral hygiene, they still may be worn down, and getting composite fillings may be nice as well. Thanks for the article; I’ll be sure to ask my dentist about what to do about my fillings!
I’ll have to keep in mind that my fillings should get looked at around the seven-year mark. Tooth decay is something you don’t want to mess with. I would prefer to keep my teeth as long as possible.