Dental Filling Replacement – Gold, Amalgam, Composite, Ceramic
Dental Filling Replacement – Tooth decay can happen to anyone. Most commonly, it occurs when your oral hygiene routine is lacking. Too many sweets and sugar can also cause tooth decay. When you suffer from tooth decay, your dentist may recommend you have a filling put in. Decay is not the only reason your dentist may suggest a filling placed on your teeth. Cracked or broken teeth or unusual use of teeth can all prompt the need for a filling.
This can help salvage the tooth so that it does not need to be extracted. However, if you already have a filling, certain situations may cause the need to go back to the dentist to have additional work done on the tooth or get a dental filling replacement entirely. Below are a few signs that you may need to get a filling replaced.
Dental Filling Replacement Pain
It is common to experience some sensitivity when you have a filling put in. You may feel more sensitivity when there is a temperature change, pressure, or when eating something sweet. Typically, you can expect the sensitivity to last a few weeks before it goes away completely. Eventually, you will not even notice the filling.
If the pain does not subside after a few weeks, this could be a sign of a problem with the filling. There are certain types of pain that signal a bigger issue. One of those includes pain when biting down. If the pain is interfering with your bite, you will likely need it to be reshaped by your dentist.
Another pain that could signify a larger issue is sensitivity to hot and cold. It’s not uncommon to experience this sensitivity for a few seconds. However, if the pain lingers past a few seconds, then there could be damage to the nerve. Occasionally, a filling may be put in too late. If the decay gets down to the pulp and the tissue is not healthy enough, the pain will continue long after the filling is put in. In this case, you may likely need a root canal.
Allergic Reaction
Although it is rare, there are some people who have allergic reactions to fillings. The mercury or other types of metal in the filling can cause this allergic reaction. Patients who may be allergic to amalgam will notice a skin rash just like any other common allergy. Most patients who find themselves with this kind of allergy have some family history of it as well.
Deteriorating Dental Filling Replacement
Another common reason why you would need to get a filling replaced is if your filling is starting to deteriorate. There are some activities that will cause your filling to deteriorate. These include chewing, clenching, and grinding. It’s not always noticeable when the filling is deteriorating. Most of the time, your dentist will see the structural integrity of the filling is wearing down and needs to be restored.
Food can easily get in between your tooth and the filling. This can cause further decay if not taken care of. When the decay breaks down the tooth, it cannot always hold the filling in place. This is another time when the filling will come out and come loose. If you feel your filling is not secure, you should find a dentist near you to remedy the problem.
