How do you know if a filling is bad? There are many signs that your filling may need replacing. Some of these are sensitivity to hot or cold food or drink, a rough surface, cracking, chipping or decay around the filling, re-breaking of the tooth, shifting the position of the tooth or discoloration of the tooth after insertion.
Read on to learn more about why fillings are important and some of the warning signs to look out for if your teeth have fillings.
What is Dental Filling?
To better understand your situation, it is 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 lower tooth decay or root canal infections if they come loose!
Many other symptoms are possible indicators of a problem. There is no doubt that there is a problem with your teeth and gums if you get them done at least once every six months before having any dental cleaning or any treatment on their teeth.
Some warning signs that may indicate 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
Pain
The first way involves feeling the filling itself. Your dentist may have told you not to worry too much while the tooth is open, but now that it’s closed again, try pressing your tooth down where your filling was. You shouldn’t feel anything. If there is pain after pressing or just touching the area, this indicates that there is a problem with your padding and needs to be replaced.
Fractures or Discoloration
If you see minor fractures, notice any visible gaps between the filling and your tooth, or detect discoloration where it meets your natural tooth, you should consider replacing dental fillings.
To find out if your dental filling is bad, you need to remember some simple steps:
1.First of all, if the color or consistency of the filling has changed, there is a problem. If the filling has started to turn green (due to oxidation) or has become particularly slimy (due to bacterial growth), it’s time to go to your dentist’s office.
2.On the other hand, if the fill is solid and retains its original color, it is important to check the look and feel of the fill. If there are any cracks or holes in the tooth filling, bacteria may have started to grow and cause decay below your dentist’s eye level.
3.Bacteria can also be detected by smelling your dental filling. If the filling smells bad, affecting the smell of your breath, it’s time to see your dentist.
Finally, if all else fails and you are no longer sure of that filling, you can always try to scrape off some of the filling. If you have gray or black particles on your nail after scraping, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Remember, always consult your dentist if any of your dental fillings worry you. Your dentist will be able to tell you with certainty whether the filling is bad and offer treatment options for bad fillings.
Dental Filling Options
There are several types of dental fillings your dentist may recommend. These;
1.White and amalgam restorations; silver/mercury alloy, 50% mercury content.
2.Composite fillings
3.Gold fillings
Different Types of Dental Fillings
Amalgam Dental Fillings
Amalgam (or silver) fillings form a strong foundation for your teeth as they bond directly with enamel. It consists of silver mixed with mercury and other metals that strengthen its structure. This allows it to last longer than other types of fillers. However, mercury is the main problem in amalgam fillings because mercury can be extremely toxic. It is also linked to memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. For these reasons, you should avoid eating and drinking hot liquids after having amalgam fillings.
Composite Dental Fillings
Composite (or white) fillings are made of a resin material and contain small glass particles for white coloring. These types of fillings are mainly used in anterior teeth where aesthetics is most important. This is because it resists impacts very well and looks very natural compared to other filling materials.
Composite fillings also come in a variety of shades and can be custom matched to blend in with your teeth, making them the most natural-looking dental filling. They are less durable than amalgam fillings and should be replaced every five years if they wear out.
Gold Dental Fillings
If you want a dental filling that lasts longer than composite or amalgam fillings, you can choose gold. It is more expensive but lasts longer.
The choice between gold, amalgam or composite fillings is entirely up to you. When choosing dental fillings for your teeth, durability, affordability and appearance should be considered. You can talk to your dentist about which type of dental filling will work best for your smile.
What to Expect During Filling Change?
Fillings can be changed in our clinic with a simple and convenient treatment. If they become worn or loose, we offer an easy way to replace your old filling with a new one to protect your tooth.
Fillings are also one of the most common procedures performed by dentists, so nothing to worry about! A dentist will replace a deteriorated filling with a solid one to protect your mouth from further decay.
Length
This process is usually completed by the dentist in about 30 minutes. After the procedure is done, there are some ways to look after the area so that it can heal with proper oral hygiene procedures.
Discomfort
There is usually some discomfort when having a filling, but this varies from person to person. Your dentist may give you an injection before continuing the procedure to numb the area being worked on. If you’re particularly sensitive, let them know in advance so they can take extra care to make you comfortable.
Improvement
You may have some pain in your mouth after the filling change and you may experience some bleeding due to the dislocation of the fragmented tooth tissue. To relieve this sensation, it is recommended to rinse your mouth with warm salt water until the feeling passes. It will help reduce any swelling and provide comfort while eating until the pain subsides.
This should improve within 3 days of your appointment. Your dentist will advise you on which pain relievers you can take to reduce discomfort.
Caring for Your Dental Filling
The next step in caring for your dental filling is to avoid foods that can harm 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, it can rot and must be replaced by the dentist. It is recommended to stick it with soft foods, as the filling is still very delicate during this time.
After leaving the dentist, get in the habit of brushing using antibacterial toothpaste and warm water at least twice a day (or after every meal) to reduce bacterial growth for up to 24 hours.
This will help reduce the chance of any infection around your dental repair jobs.
To make it more useful, consider purchasing an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer to help you brush for the recommended two minutes.
You should also avoid tobacco products and alcohol during this time as these can discolor your teeth, stain your gums and damage your tooth enamel.
You can contact us to determine if your filling needs to be renewed.
.What happens if the tooth filling is not done well?
If the filling is not done well, the mixture may not fully adhere to the tooth tissue, causing the filling to fall out or create a cavity, which can cause further decay and long-term toothache as pulp. The tooth becomes infected.
.Does the filler stop rotting?
Fillings are designed to restore teeth damaged by caries. This treatment also prevents future decay and prevents bacteria from making your tooth worse.
.Is there any bruises under the filling?
Unfortunately, tooth decay can occur under the filling, especially if the filling is cracked, worn or otherwise damaged.
