When To Replace Dental Fillings
Dental fillings have huge advantages as far as protecting natural teeth, but they don't last forever. Damage or wear and tear can necessitate the replacement of a dental filling. Here are some of the telltale signs that may mean it's time to replace your dental filling:
Your Filled Tooth is Hypersensitive
An intact dental filling material should protect your tooth from external stimuli. It should not be that hot or cold food (or even air) makes your filled tooth feel uncomfortable, painful, or too sensitive for your liking. This is because the dental filling material is an artificial substance that doesn't have sensory nerves. Therefore, if you can feel pain or discomfort when eating cold or hot food or drinks, it's a sign that your filling is no longer doing a good job of protecting your tooth, and they should be replaced.
You Can Feel Pain or Pressure When Eating
Secondly, you should also have your dental filling checked up if you can feel pain or uncomfortable pressure when eating with the filled tooth. This is because once your tooth has been filled, it should function normally and you should be able to use it just like any other tooth. The fact that you can feel pain means there is something wrong with the tooth. For example, you may be feeling pain because there is a crack in the filling and bacteria has used it to damage the dental tissues underneath the filling. You may also be feeling pain because there is a gap between the filling material and the natural tooth.
Your Dental Filling Feels Rough or Jagged
A good dental filling should feel smooth to the touch just as your teeth feel smooth after brushing (assuming the teeth aren't damaged). Therefore, if your dental filling feels rough to the touch or when you run your tongue over them, it's a sign that they are damaged. Maybe the filling is cracked or has started to erode. Such roughness is usually present in the early stages of filling damage, but it can worsen and lead to oral health complications if not dealt with promptly.
Your Dental Filling Looks Damaged or Worn Out
In some cases, you may also be able to detect that your dental filling is damaged just by looking at it. For example, you may notice spots or discolored areas on the filling, holes on the filling, or cracked areas on the filling.
Consult a dentist such as Naas Family Dentistry if you suspect something is wrong with your dental filling. The dentist will give you a professional diagnosis and replace your filling if necessary.
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