Signs that Your Dental Fillings Are Failing

Tooth-colored fillings are one of the most common dental procedures. Millions of people suffer from tooth decay and require looking for dental fillings in Langley.

 

What are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings fill the hole in your tooth after a dentist near you removes the decayed dental structure. They are perfect for restoring a small to moderate cavity. If it is too large, you should not look for dental fillings near you but a more resistant material. Maybe a dental crown.

Composite resin cannot withstand the heavy chewing forces when there is more resin than the dental structure. The latter is one of the causes of failing fillings, and we will talk about other causes below.

 

Why Dental Fillings Fail?

1. A large cavity – As we mentioned above, if you have severe tooth decay, you must opt for another restorative option; otherwise, dental fillings may crack.
2. They have expired – Dental fillings don’t last forever. They may last up to seven years with proper care. If it happens, your dental professional may remove it and place another one that will last for another seven years (approximately).
3. Improper sealing – There must not be any gaps or irregular areas between the dental structure and the dental filling; otherwise, food particles may infiltrate, and bacteria will react to them, leading to dental caries. 

 

Signs that You Must Replace Your Fillings

You must look for a dentist near you if you experience one or many of these symptoms:

- Tooth sensitivity – if you feel sensitivity when drinking or eating hot or cold drinks/foods, you may suspect a failing dental filling.

- Pain when eating – If you chew and feel discomfort, it may also be a sign of worn-out dental fillings.

- Chipped filling – If you look at your fillings and one of them has a crack, your dental professional may replace it.

- Bad breath – Halitosis, also known as bad breath, can happen due to failed filling or tooth decay.

 

Dental Checkups are Essential

If you feel any of the symptoms above, you may visit our dentist in Langley for an evaluation. It is the best way to detect early signs of a dental problem. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting a dental professional every six months to achieve excellent oral health.

Besides dental checkups, you must maintain the basics of oral care. Since you were very young, you have probably heard that you must brush your teeth twice a day, and it is correct!

The basics of oral care include the following:

- Daily brushing – You must brush for at least two minutes, two times a day. Use fluoride toothpaste to increase the protection against cavities.

- Floss between teeth – If you skip flossing your dentition, you are leaving 40% of your dental surfaces uncleaned. The only way to remove dental plaque from these surfaces of your teeth is with dental floss or devices such as water flossers or interdental brushes.

- Avoid sugary foods – Sugar is the number one enemy of your teeth. When bacteria react to sugary from starchy foods, they produce acids that wear the enamel of your teeth away. By maintaining a healthy diet high in fiber and vegetables, your oral (and overall) health will improve.

- Visit your dentist regularly – As we mentioned above, regular dental checkups are essential to monitoring how good (or bad) your oral health is. Ensure not to skip these to preserve excellent oral care.

If you have any other questions, you may schedule a free consultation visit with our team. We will be happy to help you!