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When you have a damaging cavity, mercury free fillings are simple but effective treatments that help restore your tooth to optimal condition. Getting a filling is easy, finished on the same appointment when tooth decay is removed, and you can return to eating and drinking your favorite foods immediately.
Moreover, our fillings are mercury free, ensuring you or your loved ones aren’t putting your health at risk in the long run. However, even if fillings are highly durable, constant chewing pressure can erode them over time, requiring a replacement to protect your damaged tooth. Here are some signs that indicate it may be your case.
Fillings can occasionally break and fracture. This frequently occurs when you eat something chewy or hard. If you notice any signs of damage to your filling, you should visit your dentist, because even a tiny crack in the filling can affect its ability to protect the tooth.
Look for any dark or white patches on the tooth near the filling. These patches might indicate decay. Additionally, even if fillings appear undamaged, they could give off a rough feeling when you put your tongue over them. Fillings should feel smooth—any roughness indicates that the filling is deteriorating.
Sometimes, there are no visible indications of damage to a filling. However, if the filling fails to provide an intact seal, the tooth may experience issues that result in toothaches.
The tooth might throb or hurt constantly, or you may only notice problems when you eat or drink, like sensitivity to hot or cold. This pain could go away easily, but if it returns every time you put pressure on the tooth, it’s time to schedule a dental appointment.
If your filling is located on the side of your tooth, it may be hard to see and identify any potential issues. However, your floss can tell you that all is not well.
For instance, the filling might be harmed if you floss between the teeth, coming out slightly shredded. The edges of the filling will be rough if they have chipped or broken off. The strands of the floss are broken by these edges catching on them.
If a filling fails, you might experience bad breath. A bad taste that doesn't go away even after you clean your teeth is a sign of an underlying infection.
If you aren’t sure which tooth is responsible, you can smell your floss after each tooth to locate where the infection is.
You may occasionally get a filling replaced for aesthetic purposes. If you have an old filling, for instance, it might no longer appear white and look discolored. Instead of blending in with the rest of the tooth, this makes the filling stand out.
This can happen especially after having your teeth whitened, because the products used during the process don't impact dental restorations. A new filling will allow you to recover a more uniform color in your smile.
With proper care, fillings can last up to 15 years. Nevertheless, several factors, such as dietary habits, oral hygiene practices, and issues like bruxism, can damage them over time.
When you identify an issue, visiting Black Bear Dental promptly is key. Restoring the filling to optimal condition can protect your tooth from further infection and make your smile shine again, so contact us today and schedule an appointment!
