treatments
Filling Replacement
There is no perfect substitute for a
natural, healthy tooth. A tooth that
has decay will need treatment with a
dental filling or other restoration
depending on the extent of the decay.
A dental filling may last many years
before it needs replacing. However,
fillings are subject to constant stress from
chewing. Clenching or grinding teeth
also puts tremendous force on fillings
and tooth enamel. All of these can cause
a filling to gradually wear away, chip,
crack or fall out.
 Worn filling with decay around edge |
 Repaired filling |
Regular dental examinations are important because problems with existing fillings generally can be detected in the early stage. During your checkup, your dentist can determine whether existing fillings are intact, or if any have cracked or worn away. Worn fillings should be replaced promptly. Don't wait until the tooth hurts or the filling and the tooth crack. This can complicate treatment and make it more costly.
It is particularly important that teeth with fillings be kept in good health with regular
dental visits and professional teeth cleanings. If extensive tooth decay develops around an existing
filling, little tooth structure may be left once the decay is
removed. Your dentist may need to restore the tooth with
a crown instead of another filling.
This is an extract from "Why does my filling need replacing?" brochure published by the American Dental Association. Pick up a copy at our office.
