Why do old fillings need to be replaced?
If your dental fillings are defective or show decay, it’s important to replace them. Untreated decay may eventually lead to an infection (abscess). In some cases, replacing a dental filling may benefit the long-term health of your tooth.
Why would a dentist have to redo a filling?
Over time, it can cause it to crack, leak, or fall out. If your filling no longer protects your tooth as it should, it can cause bacteria and tiny food particles to become trapped underneath it. You’ll need to have the filling replaced to prevent new decay.
Do fillings have to be removed?
If your metal fillings are worn, cracked, or if there is severe decay beneath the metal filling, then you should definitely get them removed. If your old fillings are fine, but you want to avoid the effects of mercury on your health, then you should get a mercury filling removal.
How long do old fillings last?
In general: amalgam fillings last 5 to 25 years. composite fillings last 5 to 15 years. gold fillings last 15 to 20 years.
Can you get a cavity under a filling?
Unfortunately, tooth decay can still happen underneath a filling, especially if the filling has been cracked, worn, or otherwise damaged. In these cases, bacteria can enter your tooth and a new cavity can start again.
How many times can you have a filling replaced?
There is no single number of how many times you can have a filling replaced. Usually, we will stop replacing the dental filling after the hole becomes too large. Once you have more filling material than natural tooth material your tooth no longer holds enough strength.
What happens if you get a cavity under a filling?
Dental X-rays can be taken to evaluate the teeth for decay under dental fillings or even between teeth. If a filling has failed or decay is detected on the X-rays, the fillings will have to be replaced. If the recurrent decay is extensive, a dentist may need to use a crown to replace the filling.
How long does it take to fill a cavity?
In general, a filling takes an hour or less. A simple filling may take as little as 20 minutes. A larger filling or multiple fillings can take longer. Also, depending on the materials used for the filling, it could take longer, or require a second visit.
What is a dental filling and how does it work?
A dental filling is a dental procedure used to restore part of a tooth that has been damaged by decay. The objective with a filling is to remove the decayed area, clean it well, and “fill” the space with a material, returning the tooth to its normal shape and, hopefully, normal function.
Why do amalgam fillings cause cavities?
The metal used in amalgam fillings corrodes over time causing it to expand and contract, and over the years this can cause fractures in the tooth. A fractured tooth allows food debris, saliva and bacteria to get in and cause a cavity in a filled tooth. Is there a cavity under your silver filling?
What happens when you replace old silver fillings?
Replacing Old Silver Fillings. As amalgam fillings breakdown, they begin to pull away from the tooth. When there is no seal, per se, that is when fillings begin to ‘leak’. This is a problem on many levels. First this allows food, saliva, and bacteria to enter your tooth which can cause damage to the tooth in the form of decay.