Do Fillings Ever Need To Be Replaced?

Are there reasons why amalgam or tooth coloured fillings might need to be replaced and if so, why?

Many dental patients believe that once a tooth has been filled; as long as it doesn’t decay any further or break, no further work should be necessary on it. After all, the filling material, whether made from amalgam or a composite material such as a white tooth filling, can’t decay. In many cases, the above is true and some people have teeth fillings that last them a lifetime, more or less. This isn’t always the case though and we will try to explain to our Ipswich patients when this might be necessary and if there is anything you can do to help prevent this.

Individual cases

The fact is that some dental fillings last for a long time while others may break or become loose much quicker. This is affected by so many things, including your personal oral care and the type of foods that you eat, how hard you bite and whether you grind your teeth for example. Estimating how long a filling might last is not an exact science. The reality is that patients who tend to chew more aggressively and eat harder foods, are more likely to break or loosen a filling, as opposed to someone who eats softer foods. Often then, it isn’t a case of a tooth wearing out over time, so much as how you use it.

Amalgam fillings also have an additional problem in that they can shrink a little over time. While this can sometimes cause a filling to become loose, the main issue is that this leaves a gap between the filling and tooth which bacteria can get into. When this happens, further decay is likely and the filling will then need to be removed and a new one placed.

If you suddenly notice that a tooth that has previously been filled feels painful or sensitive, it may be that the filling has cracked and will need to be replaced as well. In many cases though, you will have a filling that lasts for many years with no problems at all.

The main thing that you can do is to brush and floss your teeth well and have them checked by our Ipswich dentists every six months.

When things go wrong

In the event that a filling does become loose, fall out or even crack, the best thing to do is to contact the Foxhall Dental Practice straight away. We will try to see you as soon as we can to resolve the situation. If a tooth coloured filling is damaged; depending on the nature of it, it is sometimes possible to simply add more filling material to it. This is due to its strong bonding properties. The same can’t be said for amalgam fillings as these bond poorly with the natural tooth. In many cases, the filling will need to be removed altogether and a new one put in.

If the problem happens more than once, we may also discuss the options of using a dental crown instead. These are likely to provide additional strength as well as longevity.

Go cosmetic

If you have an amalgam filling that is causing problems, this might be a good time to consider having a white tooth filling instead. These are produced to match the same shade as the natural tooth and are almost invisible when placed; certainly more so than a standard amalgam filling. Given that they do not shrink, you can benefit both from potentially a more secure filling as well as one that leaves you with a more natural looking smile.

It should be said that while white teeth fillings are now much stronger than they used to be, there may be situations where these are not the best choice, especially in certain locations if you grind your teeth, for example.  The dentist will discuss this with you and suggest an appropriate alternative instead.

The reality is that, like our bodies, certain parts tend to wear out over time. This applies to our teeth too, and that includes the restorations that have been done to them in some cases.  As we said earlier though, some people have a filling in their early adult life and it remains strong and functional for their whole life. We simply can’t tell.

If you are aware of damage to a filling in a tooth or if it has become loose or fallen out, please contact us for an appointment as soon as you can so that we can get your tooth restored as quickly as possible.

To make an appointment with us to see the dentist, or hygienist, please call the Foxhall Dental Practice today on 01473 258396.