Older dental work can wear down without causing pain. If you have silver fillings from many years ago, a fall dental visit can help you learn whether they still protect your teeth.
Call Belmont Dental Group at 781-653-7399 for an appointment. Checking tooth fillings in Belmont, MA now may prevent larger problems later.
A Filling Can Weaken Over Time
A filling repairs the space left after decay is removed. In the past, dentists often used amalgam, a strong material made from several metals. These silver fillings can last a long time, but they are not permanent.
Biting and chewing place daily stress on your teeth. Metal also reacts to changes in temperature. It can grow slightly when exposed to heat and shrink when cooled.
These changes may slowly weaken the seal around a filling. A crack or tiny opening can then develop. Germs may slip beneath the repair and cause new decay where you cannot see it.
Know the Warning Signs
Some damaged fillings remain quiet at first. A dentist may find the problem during a routine exam or while reviewing an X-ray.
Possible signs include:
- Pain or pressure when chewing
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- A rough edge you can feel with your tongue
- Food getting stuck near the repaired tooth
- A crack or dark line around the filling
- A piece that feels loose or breaks away
The key point: Do not wait for a strong toothache. Prompt care may allow your dentist to make a smaller repair and preserve more of your tooth.
Replacement Options Can Match Your Smile
Many patients choose composite resin when an old metal filling needs to be removed. This tooth-colored material blends with nearby enamel. It also bonds directly to the tooth, helping support the remaining structure.
A regular filling may not be strong enough when a large part of the tooth is weak. Your dentist might suggest an inlay or onlay instead. A crown may be needed if the tooth has a major crack or very little healthy enamel remains.
During an evaluation of tooth fillings in Belmont, your dentist will check the old repair, surrounding tooth, gums, and bite. The findings will guide the treatment plan.
Healthy Metal Fillings May Stay in Place
Does every silver filling need to come out?
The short answer: No. A filling may remain safe if it is strong, stable, and sealed. Removing sound dental work could take away healthy tooth tissue without providing a clear benefit.
Your dentist will consider more than the filling's age. Cracks, hidden decay, bite pressure, and the strength of the tooth all help determine whether replacement is needed.
October Makes Planning Easier
Fall is a useful time to review dental needs before busy holiday schedules begin. Treating a weak filling now may help you enjoy seasonal meals and family events with less worry.
An October appointment may also leave time for follow-up care before the end of the year. If you have dental insurance, you can ask whether any unused benefits may help cover treatment.
After receiving new tooth fillings in Belmont, brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth each day. Avoid biting ice, hard candy, and other items that may damage dental work.
Call Belmont Dental Group at 781-653-7399 for an appointment. This fall, have your older fillings checked and protect your smile for the future.
