Fillings don’t last forever. To quote Dr. Smith, here at Parkview Dental; “Just like the tires on our cars get tired and need to be replaced, so do our dental fillings.” They can become discolored. Composite, tooth-colored fillings pick up stains, and yellow or darken over time. When you chew, your teeth and any fillings in them are subjected to tremendous pressures. Even if no other problems develop, some fillings will wear out over time and will need to be replaced. A filling will need to be replaced earlier if it falls out, leaks or cracks. Food debris and bacteria can seep down under a filling that is cracked or leaking. Since you can’t clean there, the bacteria feed on the food debris and form the acid that causes tooth decay. Decay under a filling can become extensive before you notice it or it causes you pain. This is why you should have your fillings checked regularly and get them replaced when problems are found
The longer bad fillings stay in your mouth, the more likely you will need crowns and root canals to restore the teeth. If the existing fillings are not too big and there is enough healthy tooth structure, then the fillings can be replaced with new ones. Leaving old dental fillings in place can also harm your gums, since they can trap the plaque which causes gum disease. Examination and x-rays are used to evaluate dental fillings. You will not be able to tell on your own when your fillings start to fail. Everything wears out and your dental fillings are no exception.
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