The dental fillings are a great restorative option for teeth that have been damaged due to decay, infection or fractures. The materials used in this procedure are quite durable in sealing the tooth and protecting it from further destruction. Aside from that, it prevents possible contamination of the other teeth and also tooth extraction.
One of its popular material is the tooth-coloured fillings, which not only provide restoration but also aesthetics. Using fillings that match the patient’s teeth shade will make it look natural. Furthermore, with the dentist’s advanced tools, he polishes the filling so it feels and functions like a real tooth.
Hear your thoughts
Considering these, you could really say that fillings are a tooth saver. However, as time passes by, you keep wondering if your fillings are the same as when they’re new. It’s hard to tell when you don’t have the proper tools or if you don’t feel any pain at all. So, how could you really say if your fillings are still doing great at protecting your tooth?
If ever you’re starting to wonder, that’s already a good indicator. Don’t wait for problems to arise before you do something or things will lead to worse. Here are some things you need to pay attention to when you have a tooth filling material:
The type of dental fillings that you have
Your type of dental fillings is a factor to considering when you will be asking for a filling replacement. In fact, each kind of fillings has different characteristics especially their life span. The types of fillings include:
1. Silver or amalgam. If you have amalgam fillings, rest assured that these materials will last up to 15 to 20 years before replacement. These have metal and alloy properties that provide durability and proof from common traumas or even acid attacks. The only drawback with amalgam or silver fillings is its dark appearance which could be distracting.
2. Gold. In the same way as amalgam fillings, gold fillings give optimum protection on the tooth and lasts for more than 20 years. Most patients claim that even after 30 years, there wasn’t a need to replace it. However, gold fillings are pretty expensive so patients really need to invest on this one.
3. Resin. If you have a composite resin or tooth-coloured fillings, you are using the most common filling material. It is popular, yet, it may serve patients in less than 10 years and then need a renewal. This holds true since the substance is as susceptible to stains and breaks as a normal tooth would. Moreover, it’s usually applied as a temporary tooth filling.
4. Porcelain. Porcelain fillings look like a natural tooth and resist food stains better among the other materials. However, since this type could be fragile, it’s susceptible to cracks and chips and requires frequent change.
Other oral health problems
Aside from the mentioned factors, also take into consideration your current dental health status. If you’re suffering from any of these, you should be visiting your dentist at Forestbrook Dental more often:
- Dental trauma or accidents are dangerous for your dental fillings. The impact could easily cause fracture of the material than on your tooth. Seek for your dentist’s emergency care immediately, most especially when you have a resin filling.
- Decay. Although your fillings are resistant to decay, the tooth underneath it is not. Make sure that your teeth are healthy as fillings only cover the part where the injury was. You need a filling replacement if the material is on the affected tooth to reverse the problem.
- Infection. Aside from infection inside the tooth roots, gum disease also contributes to loose fillings. Since the tooth or gums that support the filling are deteriorating, this loosens the grip of the tooth-coloured fillings. This also leaves the affected tooth more exposure to disease-causing bacteria.
Don’t underestimate the common signs
Sensitivity to cold and hot foods, toothache, and loosened fillings are common signs that you usually brush off. If you think these are normal, you’re right. However, leaving them as is and not doing something about it only calls for bad things to happen. If the filings aren’t replaced or checked, the tooth is at risk of diseases.
Don’t worry about the tooth filling cost, however, think of the price of the extensive and complex surgeries for untreated tooth and filling. Rest assured that having a replacement of your dental fillings in Markham, Ontario will give you a glorious feeling.