Renewing Your Smile: When to Consider Replacing Old Fillings in Lincoln
Your dental fillings work quietly to shield your teeth from the damaging effects of decay, making them become silent heroes. However, they are subject to wear and tear with time, just like any other superhero. If you’ve had fillings for a long time, you may be wondering when to get new ones. Here in Lincoln, NE dentist, let’s examine this query and clarify the telltale symptoms that point to the need to replace outdated fillings.
- Visible Signs of Wear and Damage: Examine your fillings closely. Are there any chips, cracks, or jagged edges visible? These are indications of deterioration that could jeopardize the filling’s integrity and expose your tooth to more decay. It’s a good idea to speak with your Lincoln dentist if you see any damage to ascertain whether replacement is required.
2. Recurrent Decay: Your fillings’ borders may deteriorate over time, leaving microscopic spaces between the filling and the tooth. These spaces give bacteria the ideal environment to grow, which causes recurring deterioration beneath the infill. It might be time to replace your old fillings if there has been recurring decay surrounding them in the past to stop more damage to your teeth. - Sensitivity or Discomfort: Do you experience sensitivity or discomfort when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods? This could be a sign that your old fillings are failing and need to be replaced. Sensitivity can occur when the filling no longer seals the tooth effectively, allowing stimuli to reach the sensitive inner layers of the tooth.
- Changes in Appearance: Metal fillings can tarnish and darken over time, contrasting noticeably with the color of your teeth. This may have an impact on how your smile looks, and for a more pleasing outcome, you might want to think about replacing outdated fillings with tooth-colored alternatives.
In conclusion, it’s important to carefully evaluate many criteria when determining whether to replace existing fillings, such as obvious wear indicators, ongoing decay, discomfort, cosmetic changes, tooth fractures, and filling age. Do not hesitate to make an appointment for a consultation with your reliable Lincoln dentist if you are having any of these problems or if you are worried about the state of your fillings. Proactively managing problems with outdated fillings can safeguard your oral health and preserve a bright smile for many years to come.
