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Should My Filling be Replaced?

May 02, 2023

What is a dental filling?


A dental filling is a common restoration that is used to repair chipped teeth or small cavities in the tooth. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), roughly 90 percent of adults over 20 years old have had a cavity in a permanent tooth. Once a tooth has a cavity, the decay must be removed to prevent further deterioration of the tooth and prevent gum inflammation. The common restoration is a dental filling.


Why do I need a dental filling? 


Over time, the natural wear and tear of biting, chewing, and grinding food can cause the bond between the filling and the tooth enamel to degrade. While most fillings can last anywhere from 5-10 years, there is no set lifespan seeing that each individual's health and habits are so different.  Oral bacteria, hygiene practices, and regular maintenance at your dental office all play a role in the longevity of a dental filling.

While some fillings will indicate they need to be restored, it is not uncommon for people to be unaware that a filling needs replacing. That is why it is so important to maintain regular check-ups and cleanings at the dentist. Dr. Stafford and his team are able to identify a failing filling and address it before it causes pain or other health issues.

Some of the most common signs that a dental filling needs to be replaced include:

  • Sharp pain when biting down or chewing
  • Distinct change in texture
  • Graying in the tooth enamel around the filling

All of these are signs that the filling’s bonding is weakening and bacteria is starting to creep in between the filling and healthy enamel of the tooth. In cases where the filling is small enough, Dr. Stafford may be able to simply replace it with a new filling. However, if decay has started around the filing and damaged the tooth further, we may recommend replacing the entire enamel layer of the tooth with a dental crown.

If you suspect one of your dental fillings is going bad and needs to be replace, call Midlothian Dental Arts today to schedule an appointment.

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