Can Old Dental Fillings Be Replaced with Newer Materials?
If you’ve been getting dental cavity fillings for several years, you might be asking yourself: Can old dental fillings be replaced with newer materials​? The answer is yes, and in many cases, it can help make your teeth healthier, as well as better-looking. The field of dentistry has evolved considerably, and modern filling materials provide advantages that previous ones could not.
Why Old Dental Fillings Need Attention
All fillings have a life expectancy. Over time, a dental filling may deteriorate, crack, or start to leak because of chewing pressure, temperature changes, and normal wear and tear. Old silver (amalgam) fillings, in particular, can expand and contract, causing small fractures in the surrounding tooth structure. If this occurs, the bacteria may escape under the filling and make new cavities to form under the old cavity.
The following are all indicators that an older filling has the potential to be replaced:
- Visible cracks, chips, or rough edges
- An area around the filling that is darkly stained
- Tendency to get hot or cold easily
- When chewing food, the pain can be felt while biting down
- Loose or missing fillings
Types Of Dental Fillings Today
The various kinds of fillings utilized in today’s dentistry serve a range of purposes:
- Composite resin – translucent material that is a colour match for your teeth and is also bonded straight to your tooth
- Porcelain (ceramic) – very durable and stain-resistant, better for larger restorations.
- Glass ionomer – releases fluoride and is used with smaller fillings or in childrenÂ
- Silver – a metal filling that was more popular in the past but is now infrequently used because of cosmetic and material issues
The Replacement Process
It is relatively simple procedure to replace a cavity filling in a tooth. Your dentist will numb the area, take the old filling and any decay out of the cavity and clean it thoroughly before filling the cavity. If extensive damage is involved, it may be recommended to fill in the gap created by the damage or to use a small crown to fix the tooth’s strength and shape.
Advantages of upgrading your fillings
- Better appearance using tooth coloured materials
- High resistance to wear and breakdowns
- Minimize potential of secondary decay
- Increased resistance to bacteria
- More natural and comfortable bite
Here’s When You Need to Replace a Filling.
If your filling is over 10-15 years old, or you are feeling any of the above symptom warnings, your filling should be checked out. During a routine dental visit and x-ray you can find out whether or not your filling is still performing well, or if it’s time to upgrade.
Conclusion
Old fillings can be replaced with newer materials, which is a safe and effective option for long-term protection of oral health. Our knowledgeable staff at Springvale Dental Clinic can evaluate your current fillings, suggest the most suitable contemporary filling material for your needs, and help you enjoy a healthier and more confident smile for years to come. Schedule a visit with Springvale Dental Clinic today to determine whether it’s time to upgrade your fillings.