Do you have a dental filling that suddenly starts hurting after many years of not causing any trouble? Are you worried about the dentist bill because you don’t know for sure if your filling even needed to be replaced? This is a common concern of many of our patients.

So, how can you tell if a filling is bad? There are many signs that your filling may need to be replaced. Some of these include sensitivity to hot or cold food or beverages, an uneven surface, cracking, chipping, or decay around the filling, a broken tooth again, shifting of a tooth’s position, or a change in the color of a tooth after it has been filled.

Keep reading to learn more about why fillings are important, and some of the warning signs you should look out for if you have fillings in your teeth.

What is a Dental Filling?

To better understand your situation, it’s best to think of a dental filling as a protective seal over the root canal. 

Dental fillings are an important part of your dental health. They help protect sensitive areas from the outside environment, and can lead to tooth decay beneath or root canal infections if they come loose!

Many other symptoms are possible indicators of an issue. If you happen to have them before going for any dental cleaning or work done on their tooth/teeth at least once every six months, there is no doubt that something must be wrong with your teeth and gums.

Some warning signs that may indicate oral problems include:

• Pain during hot or cold experiences,
• Very sensitive teeth when exposed to temperature changes,
• Bleeding gums due to brushing damage if not taken care of properly.

If this sounds like something you are dealing with, then some quick ways can help determine if your filling is bad.

Pain

The first way involves feeling the filling itself. Your dentist may have told you not to worry too much about it while the tooth was still open but now that it is closed again, try pressing on your tooth around where your filling is located.

You should feel nothing. If there’s pain involved in either pressing down or just touching the area, then it could mean that somehow fungus has gotten into your filling and the dentist needs to replace it.

Fractures or Discoloration

You should consider having dental fillings replaced if you see tiny fractures in the material, notice any visible gaps forming between the filling and your tooth, or if you detect discoloration where it meets your natural tooth.

To tell whether or not a tooth filling is bad, you should remember some simple steps:

1. First of all, if the filling has changed color or consistency, it may be ill. If the filling has begun to turn green (due to oxidation) or become particularly slimy (due to bacterial growth), it’s time for a trip to your dentist’s office!
2. On the other hand, if the filling is solid and still maintains its original color, it’s important to inspect the look and feel of the filling. If there are any cracks or holes in the tooth filling, bacteria may have begun to grow underneath, causing decay below your dentist’s eye-line.
3. Bacteria can also be detected by smelling your tooth filling. If the filling smells bad, impacting the smell of your breath, it’s time to see your dentist.
4. Lastly, if all else fails and you just aren’t sure about that tooth filling anymore, you can always try scraping off a bit of the tooth filling. If there are any grey or black particles on your fingernail after scraping, you should consult with your dentist as soon as possible!

Remember, if any of your tooth fillings are causing you concern, always consult with your Tulsa dentist. Your dentist will be able to tell you for sure whether or not the filling is bad and provide treatment options for bad fillings.

Dental Filling Options

There are several types of dental fillings that your dentist may offer. These include the following:

• White or amalgam restorations: silver/mercury alloy, 50% mercury content.
• Composite fillings: man-made material [the article says “synthetic material” but that can be confusing], made to look like natural tooth enamel.
• Gold fillings: 75% gold, 25% other metal(s)

Different Types of Dental Fillings

So, what’s the difference between gold, amalgam, and composite fillings? This is a common question that many people ask. The answer to this question depends on what you want out of your dental filling.

If you are looking for tooth-colored fillings, which look like natural teeth, then amalgam or composite fillings are best for you. If you are looking for an inexpensive option with lasting durability, then gold is probably the best choice.

Amalgam Dental Fillings

Amalgam (or silver) fillings provide a strong base for your teeth because they bond directly with the enamel. It is made up of silver mixed with mercury and other metals that strengthen its structure. This makes it last longer than any other type of filling.

Amalgam fillings usually last about eight years. This means that you need to replace them every eight years or so if they get worn down. Mercury is the main problem with amalgam fillings because mercury can be extremely toxic.

It has also been linked to memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. For these reasons, you should avoid eating or drinking hot liquids after getting an amalgam filling.

Composite Dental Fillings

Composite (or white) fillings are made of a resin material and contain small glass particles for white coloring. This type of filling is mainly used on front teeth where aesthetics matter most. This is because it holds up well against impacts and looks very natural compared to other types of materials used for dental fillings.

Composite fillings also come in a variety of shades and can be custom-matched to blend with your teeth, making them the most natural-looking type of dental filling. They are less durable than amalgam dental fillings and need to be replaced every five years if they get worn down.

Gold Dental Fillings

If you want a dental filling that lasts longer than composite or amalgam ones, then opt for gold. It is more expensive but it can last up to 20 years, which means you only have to replace it every 10 – 15 yearly checkups at the dentist’s office. A drawback is that some people cannot afford gold fillings, so it may not be an option for everyone.

The choice between gold, amalgam, or composite fillings is ultimately up to you. The durability, affordability, and appearance should all be taken into consideration when choosing a dental filling for your teeth.

You can talk to your South Tulsa Dentist about which type of dental filling would work best for your smile!

What to Expect During a Filling Replacement

Fills can be replaced through a straightforward and convenient treatment at our office. If they wear down or become loose, we offer you an easy way of getting your old filling out and replacing it with a new one to protect your tooth.

Fillings are also one of the most common procedures done by dentists so there’s nothing to be anxious about! A dentist will replace a broken-down filling with an intact one to keep your mouth safe from further decay.

Length

This procedure is usually completed by a dentist in about 30 minutes. After the procedure is done, there are some ways to take care of the area so it can heal with proper oral hygiene procedures.

Discomfort

There is usually some level of discomfort when getting fillings done but this differs per person. Your dentist may give you an injection before they proceed with the procedure to numb the area being worked on. If you’re particularly sensitive, just let them know beforehand so they can take extra care in making you comfortable.

Healing

After the filling replacement, your mouth may feel a little sore and you might experience some bleeding due to the broken-down tooth tissue coming off. To relieve this sensation, it is recommended to rinse your mouth with warm salt water until the feeling subsides.  It will help reduce any swelling and allow for comfort while eating food until the pain subsides.

This should heal within 3 days after your appointment. Your dentist will inform you about what painkillers you can take to lessen the discomfort.

Taking Care of Your Dental Filling 

The next step in caring for your dental filling is to avoid any foods that may damage it. This includes avoiding certain fruits and vegetables such as apples, oranges, and carrots.

If the filling is exposed to too much sugar or acid, then it can decay and need to be replaced by a dentist. It is recommended to stick with soft foods because the filling is still very sensitive during this time period.

After leaving the dentist’s office, get in the habit of brushing at least twice a day (or after every meal) using anti-bacterial toothpaste and warm water to reduce bacteria growth for up to 24 hours.

This will help reduce any chance of infection around your dental repair work.

To make it more convenient, consider purchasing an electric toothbrush that has a built-in timer to help you brush for the recommended two minutes.

You should also stay away from tobacco products and alcohol during this time period because they can discolor your teeth, stain your gums, and cause damage to your enamel.

To determine whether your filling needs to be replaced, you can book an appointment at Magnolia Family Dental Care online or call.

The post How Can You Tell If A Filling Is Bad? first appeared on Magnolia Family Dental Care | Tulsa Dentist | Tulsa, OK.

If you are in the process of getting cavities repaired and your dentist has mentioned this as a future option, you are probably wondering — what do fillings do to your teeth? 

Fillings are essentially installed to replace the part of your tooth that has been exposed to decay and are designed to help regenerate durability and strength in the tooth. Fillings will keep further decay from spreading, and protect the sensitive areas of your tooth. Fillings can match the same color of the tooth and are installed routinely by most dental practices. 

While their function seems simple enough, what happens if you don’t get fillings installed? Are they that important? These are important answers that we wanted to take some time to answer.  Read on to find out why fillings are the right option for tooth damage or cavity repair. 

Why Are Fillings Important?

Fillings Eliminate Decay

When you come in for a filling procedure, one of the first things that need to happen is for the tooth that has been damaged needs to be completely cleaned out. As the tooth is cleaned, the dentist looks out for any signs left behind from decay and gets rid of it all. 

If this step isn’t done, decay will just continue to eat away at the tooth, eventually leaving it to become abscessed. If this happens, there is a danger that the infection can not only stay in your mouth but spread to other parts of your body as well. 

When there is a risk like this on the table, it’s easy to see why fillings are such a good idea. 

Fillings Protect Your Teeth 

If a cavity is left untreated in the mouth, it essentially means that bacteria are permitted to roam freely. If this is the case, the bacteria can start to move on to other healthy teeth creating an even bigger problem. One of the biggest problems could be gum disease. The bacteria will attach to your other teeth, and force you to go in for a very serious dental procedure that can be a lot more expensive. In the long run, choosing to take care of cavities is an investment worth looking into. 

Fillings Give You A Natural Smile 

One of the biggest damages to a natural smile is the loss of teeth. If cavities are ignored or overlooked for too long, the tooth might have to be removed. This will cause the patient to feel self-conscious and will have to wait until an implant is installed. 

All of the extra hassle to get an extra tooth can be avoided altogether if fillings are pursued when the first signs of cavities start to appear. Because fillings can now be made to match the color of the tooth, a natural smile is preserved. 

Fillings Enable Your Tooth To Function 

Cavities are extremely painful because they are caused by holes that are decaying in the tooth. When a patient tries to drink or eat anything, there will only be more pain. With fillings, this pain is eliminated and normal function is restored to the previously damaged tooth. Fillings allow you to eat and drink freely without ever having to worry about intense pain. 

Fillings Will Last A Long Time 

Thankfully, fillings don’t have to be replaced every couple of weeks. Because they are made from such durable materials, you can expect to have the same filling doing its job correctly for years and years down the road without any side effects. 

Fillings are not just a temporary fix, they are a long term solution that you can count on. But what are these fillings made of that makes them so durable? And how many options are there when going this route? Read on to learn more about what types of fillings can be used and what they’re made of. 

What Types Of Fillings Are There? 

When you think of fillings, you most likely just think about a generic metal filling, but there are quite a few materials to choose from. Some of the materials available include: 

Composite Fillings 

Composite fillings are created using a combination of plastic and resin material that is inserted into the cavity while it is still malleable and then hardened with a curing light that is bright blue. This is one of the more common choices to use because it is the one that can be custom colored to match the shade of the tooth that is being treated. These will last for about 5 years, while others might last a bit longer. Depending on what your preferences are, you may want to choose aesthetic over the longevity of use. 

Silver Amalgam Fillings

An Amalgam Filling is probably the most well known of the filling materials because of its silver color. However, this filling is more than silver because it’s a combination of different minerals like zinc, copper, and tin. 

A lot of dentists like using this material because of its strength, durability, and consistency. It is also a lot more affordable as a plus. 

One of these Amalgam Fillings can last over 15 years and is extremely easy to customize to fit into your specific cavity without any worries of the material being contaminated by the saliva or blood. 

While this type of filling lasts a lot longer than others, its not quite as pleasing to the eye as the custom colored fillings. You might want to consider this when you are thinking to prioritize durability or aesthetic. 

Gold Fillings 

Gold fillings are not so popular because they are quite expensive. On top of that, not many dental practices offer this type of option just because it’s not as practical or regularly purchased. 

If you do find someone who offers and installs gold fillings, you will need to return for multiple fittings to make sure it is sitting correctly in the tooth. As a positive note, gold doesn’t corrode, it’s extremely sturdy, and can also hold up more 15 years or more. 

Ceramic Fillings 

Ceramic Fillings are created by using porcelain which makes them extremely durable while also being pleasing to the eye. 

They are quite a bit more pricey than other options, but it’s mainly because they can be colored to match your tooth exactly and are extremely resistant to abrasion and staining more than composite resin. 

The downside to this type of filling is that ceramic is quite a bit more brittle and needs to be a decent size to keep it from cracking. Because they need a bigger surface area to be installed, they are usually talked about as onlays or inlays. 

Glass Ionomer Fillings 

Ionomer Fillings are made of a mixture of acrylic and glass and are a great option for children because their teeth are still growing and changing regularly. 

This type of filling doesn’t last very long, but they can release fluoride which serves as a measure of protection for their teeth from even more decay and damage. 

Because they are made from glass and acrylic, they are more likely to wear down or crack, and it also isn’t as precise when it comes to matching teeth color. 

However, if you are looking for an affordable and flexible option for fillings for your child, these Ionomer fillings may be a great solution. 

Other FAQ’s About Fillings 

Is A Filling Treatment Painful? 

After a filling procedure, it is very normal for your tooth to feel quite sensitive to cold, air, sweet foods and especially pressure. If you are feeling any prolonged pain in your filling, it’s probably because the filling is set too high. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to contact your dentist as soon as possible so that it can be adjusted to the correct height. 

How Do I Make My Fillings Last? 

It’s a good idea to take care of your fillings the same way that you work on trying to prevent them in the first place. Regular habits like these will ensure your fillings last as long as they are intended to: 

• Limit sugar and go with a healthier option whenever you can. 
• Brush twice a day as thoroughly as you can with toothpaste, and don’t forget to floss. 
• Use a therapeutic mouth rinse to help cut down the oral bacteria in your mouth. 
• Avoid tobacco products and things that can stain your teeth like soda, coffee, and tea. 
• Make sure you see your dentist regularly for your routine cleanings and check-ups. 

Will My Insurance Cover A Filling Treatment? 

Most insurance companies can cover at least 80% of a white filling treatment for posterior and anterior teeth. It’s best to contact your insurance provider directly to find out a more precise amount for what will be covered. 

What’s The Next Step?

For anyone struggling with cavities or tooth decay, dental fillings are the next right step. If you or a loved one are interested in finding out more about this dental procedure or want to set up an appointment, give us a call today! 

The post What Do Fillings Do To Your Teeth?  first appeared on Magnolia Family Dental Care | Tulsa Dentist | Tulsa, OK.