
Millions of Americans have received fillings in their teeth in an effort to protect them against further decay or related complications beneath the surface. However, over time, those fillings can wear down or suffer harm do to the daily grind of chewing, talking, brushing, and so on. It is perfectly understandable why the fillings don’t last forever. In some instances, they can even fall out or crack, which will call for premature replacement. Also, if the filling begins to leak, issues can arise that will call for the dentist to act faster than usual.
Why Do Fillings Fall Out? In most cases, a filling won’t fall out. It will be replaced only when the dentist rules that it has been weakened over time. However, on occasion, when a person bites down on something unusually hard or when a weaker filling material was used in a large space, it can break or fall out. This is also seen when saliva is allowed to contaminate the filling during the initial procedure. Similarly, cracking can occur because the top of the filling sits higher than the top of the tooth or just as a result of wear and tear over the years. Regardless of the reason, once gone, it will need to be replaced.
Why Do Fillings Leak? This occurs when the filling doesn’t fit tightly to the side of the cavity. This allows food debris, saliva, and bacteria to seep beneath it, which can cause serious damage to the tooth and nerve within. In most cases, after an amalgam filling, a person will notice some sensitivity to cold. However, a solid filling will corrode and the corrosion with strengthen the bond with the tooth. The sensitivity, as a result, fades after a couple of weeks. When that sensitivity continues or is suddenly noticeable (with any type of filling material), then there is reason for concern. The forming gaps between filling and tooth can be a result of shrinkage, wear and tear, or because the filling never bonded correctly.
How Long Does it Take for a Cavity to Wear Out? The best fillings will last through numerous dentist visits. They can remain strong for fifteen years or longer. However, there are certain habits that can break a filling down faster.
What Can I do to Prolong the Life of a Filling? The best way to prevent the need of a filling replacement is to be aware of what you eat, avoiding foods that are too hard, and to have problems with jaw clenching or grinding addressed right away.
How Do I Know if There is a Problem with My Filling? There are a few different warning signs to look out for that could signal the need for a dentist visit. A sudden increase in sensitivity, a visible crack, or noticing a chip in the filling is reason to pick up the phone. Make an appointment to have the tooth evaluated. In some instances, the dentist may be able to repair the existing filling, rather than replacing it entirely.
Photography by Flavio (Flickr)
















