This fall, having your tooth fillings in Dublin, CA examined can help you find small problems before they lead to more dental work. A filling that has worked well for years can start to wear out without much warning. You may not feel pain when the first signs of trouble appear.
Call Valley Dental and Orthodontics at 925-235-1565 for an appointment.
How Can a Filling Start to Fail?
What to know: Your fillings deal with pressure every time you eat.
Older metal fillings are often made from amalgam, which contains a blend of metals. This material is known for its strength, but years of chewing can take a toll.
Temperature changes matter, too. A hot drink warms the filling, while an icy beverage cools it. Metal can respond to these changes by slightly expanding and shrinking.
Over many years, this movement and normal biting pressure may affect the edges of the filling. A tiny space can form between the filling and tooth. Bacteria may enter this area and cause another cavity.
Your Tooth May Give You Clues
A worn filling does not always cause a major toothache. Smaller changes can be signs that something is wrong.
Pay attention if you notice:
- A new ache when chewing
- Sensitivity after eating something hot or cold
- Discomfort from sugary foods or drinks
- Food often catching beside one tooth
- A rough spot that bothers your tongue
- Part of a filling breaking or moving
Some problems cannot be felt or seen at home. Dental exams and X-rays can help your dentist spot damage that may otherwise go unnoticed.
The benefit: Finding trouble early may mean a simpler repair.
You Have More Than One Repair Option
Replacing an older filling does not always mean using another metal restoration.
Tooth-colored composite resin may work for many cavities and smaller repairs. Your dentist can select a shade that looks natural next to the rest of your tooth. The material bonds to the tooth to rebuild the damaged area.
A larger repair may require something stronger. An inlay or onlay can restore part of a tooth when a standard filling is not enough. A crown may be recommended when a large section of the tooth has become weak.
An exam of your tooth fillings in Dublin can help determine which choice offers the support your tooth needs.
Old Does Not Always Mean Bad
Your dentist can check whether the filling is sealed, stable, and free from problems. If the tooth around it remains healthy, there may be no reason to remove the restoration.
Instead of focusing only on age, your dentist will look for decay, cracks, loose areas, and signs of excess bite pressure.
Do you need to replace every silver filling? Not necessarily. Some metal fillings can remain strong for many years.
Make Dental Care Part of Your Fall Plans
October can be a convenient month to take care of dental needs. There is still time to complete recommended treatment before holiday travel, meals, and end-of-year events begin.
You can also check your dental insurance benefits. If your plan resets in January, completing needed care before the end of the year may help you use benefits that would otherwise expire.
Once you receive new tooth fillings in Dublin, protect them with good habits. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and skip chewing ice and other hard objects.
Call Valley Dental and Orthodontics at 925-235-1565 for an appointment. You can also schedule online. Find out whether your older fillings are still protecting your teeth.
