What Happens When an Old Filling Starts to Wear Out?
Like your natural teeth, dental restorations, including fillings, eventually show signs of wear. The good news is that an older filling doesn’t automatically need to be replaced simply because it has celebrated a few birthdays.
A Filling Has a Pretty Tough Job
A filling replaces tooth structure that was damaged by decay or another problem. Once it is in place, it becomes part of a tooth that has to handle biting, chewing, temperature changes, and all the other demands of everyday life.
Over time, the filling and the surrounding tooth will change. The filling gradually wears down. An edge can become rough. The material can chip or crack, or the seal between the filling and tooth may no longer be as sound as it once was.
Older Doesn’t Automatically Mean Worn Out
We want to preserve and protect your natural teeth whenever possible, and we recommend treatment based on what your individual tooth actually needs rather than automatically replacing dental work because it has been there for a certain number of years. Sometimes the best thing to do with an old filling is nothing at all except keep an eye on it.
What Are We Looking For?
At your regular visits, we check more than whether a filling is still physically in the tooth. We look at how the filling is holding up, the condition of the surrounding tooth, and whether there are signs of cracking, wear, or new decay. We also pay attention to how that tooth fits into your bite.
You can help us too. If a filled tooth suddenly feels different when you chew, becomes sensitive, develops a rough or sharp edge, or simply catches your attention when it never did before, tell us. It may be something simple, but it’s worth taking a look.
What If a Filling Does Need Attention?
When a filling starts to break down, we may recommend replacing it. However, if a tooth has lost more structure or needs additional protection, another type of restoration, such as a crown, may be more appropriate. Crowns are one restorative option we use when a tooth needs extra strength and protection. The important thing is that we evaluate the tooth individually and recommend what makes sense for its long-term health.
Here’s to Dental Work You Forget About
A filling that does its job year after year deserves a little appreciation. You don’t need to keep track of how old every filling in your mouth is. That’s part of what your regular dental visits are for. We’ll keep checking your existing dental work, watching for changes, and letting you know when something deserves attention.
In the meantime, keep brushing, flossing, and enjoying your smile. And if you have a filling that has been faithfully doing its job for years without giving you any trouble, we’re happy to let it keep doing exactly that.
If it’s time for your next appointment, schedule with us at our office located in Bowie, MD. We look forward to seeing you and helping your teeth, including those hardworking older fillings, stay healthy and strong.
