Dental fillings are frequently used when patients have cavities. When dental decay passes the enamel (or the outermost layer of the tooth) it creates a cavity in the dentin of the tooth. Left untreated, this indent or hole will continue to form deeper and deeper until the tooth’s pulp is exposed which can lead to dental infection, severe toothaches, and tooth loss. While fillings are designed to be durable they are not indestructible. Over the years they can weaken, crack, or even fall out completely. In this article we will discuss the lifespan of dental fillings, signs they need to be replaced, and how to avoid issues with your dental fillings. For dental treatments in Swampscott Massachusetts, please contact our team at Whiting Dental Arts.
Toothaches are a common dental symptom. As dentists, we often get calls from patients who are concerned about tooth pain, sensitivity, or recurring discomfort that is localized to an area of their mouths. And in every case, we say the same thing; “let’s schedule an appointment”. No matter what is causing your toothache, it is always important not to ignore it. Almost every toothache is caused by an underlying dental issue. Dental issues also rarely resolve themselves and frequently worsen over time. In this article, we will cover a few of the different causes of toothaches, but if you live in the Swampscott area and are experiencing a toothache, we’d highly recommend giving our office a call.
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last
Dental fillings can last around five to twenty years. That might seem like a wide range of time, but that is because there are many factors that impact how long your fillings will last. The material used for example can determine how durable your fillings are. For example, metal fillings are extremely durable but not always used because of how they look. But the largest factor in how long fillings last is your own oral health. When a filling is placed in a tooth there is a natural fissure between the tooth and the filling where bacteria can gather. If you do not brush and floss, or you frequently drink acidic or sugary beverages the tooth can decay around the filling which can lead the filling to falling out.
How Do I Know If My Fillings Need To Be Replaced?
Ideally, you would find out that your fillings need to be replaced by going to the dentist. During a dental visit, your dentist might notice that your filling is cracked, damaged, or loose and recommend that the filling gets replaced. But there are also signs that your filling might be getting loose or damaged including.
Issues when flossing: If you are struggling with flossing between your teeth it may be because the filling is not fitting in place correctly or because the filling has started to get worn down leaving a gap between your teeth.
Bite Changes: If you have noticed that your bite has shifted it could be a sign that a filling has worn down which is leading to your teeth not meeting properly. When fillings are made your bite is tested to make sure everything is aligned.
Leaky Fillings: A leaky filling is a symptom that there is a gap between your filling and the tooth. This can allow liquid to get inside the gap and leak out later.
Dental Services in Swampscott MA
If you live in the Swampscott Massachusetts area and are interested in scheduling a dental appointment, please give us a call. We would be happy to discuss dental treatments at our office.