Tooth decay can occur for several reasons, even in people who maintain regular oral hygiene. If decay or another limited defect affects a tooth, a dental filling may be considered depending on the extent and location of the damage.
Dental fillings do not have a fixed lifespan. Their longevity varies according to factors such as the filling material, size and location of the restoration, bite forces, grinding or clenching, oral hygiene and changes to the surrounding tooth structure.
Why Do You Need Dental Fillings?
Where decay is limited and enough tooth structure remains, a filling may be used to restore the area after affected tooth structure has been removed.
If decay progresses into deeper tooth structure and the dental pulp becomes irreversibly inflamed or infected, root canal treatment or another treatment may need to be considered.
How to Know You Need a Filling?
It is not always possible to tell from symptoms alone whether a filling is required. Dental examination can help determine whether decay, a fracture, an existing restoration or another condition is responsible for the symptoms.
New or persistent sensitivity to hot, cold or pressure may be associated with decay, a damaged restoration, exposed dentine or other dental conditions. A dentist can assess the cause if symptoms persist or worsen.
Food trapping or floss repeatedly catching around a tooth can have several causes, including tooth shape, a damaged restoration, decay or changes between neighbouring teeth. These signs do not confirm that a filling is required.
Pain during chewing or persistent toothache can have several dental causes and should be assessed if it continues, worsens or is otherwise concerning.
Different Types of Fillings
Different restorative materials may be used for fillings. Material selection depends on factors such as the size and location of the defect, amount of remaining tooth structure, bite and other clinical considerations.
Composite resin is a tooth-coloured material commonly used for direct fillings. Other restorative materials may also be considered depending on the tooth and treatment requirements.
If a direct filling is not appropriate because of the amount or location of remaining tooth structure, a dental crown may be considered. Whether a crown is appropriate depends on the individual tooth, fracture pattern, bite and previous treatment.
How Long Do Tooth Fillings Last?
Dental fillings can require repair or replacement over time, but there is no single lifespan that applies to every restoration. Longevity varies according to the material, size and position of the filling, bite forces, grinding or clenching, oral hygiene and condition of the surrounding tooth.
Factors that can affect a filling over time include grinding or clenching, dental trauma, changes to the surrounding tooth structure, recurrent decay and the amount of biting force placed on the restoration.
What Factors Can Affect Filling Longevity?
Routine oral hygiene and dental examinations allow the filling, surrounding tooth structure and bite to be monitored over time. Avoid using teeth to bite very hard non-food objects such as ice, pens or packaging, as these can place unnecessary force on restorations and natural teeth.
A dental check-up may include assessment of existing fillings for changes such as wear, fracture, marginal breakdown or decay around the restoration where clinically indicated.
How to Tell if Your Filling Needs Replacing?
Changes affecting a filling may not always produce obvious symptoms. The restoration, surrounding tooth structure, bite and individual habits can all influence whether repair or replacement is required.
A filling that appears chipped, cracked, worn or changed in colour may need assessment. Toothache, sensitivity or discomfort when biting can also occur with a damaged restoration, decay or another dental condition. These findings do not automatically mean the filling needs replacement.
During a dental examination, the dentist may assess the restoration margins, bite and surrounding tooth structure. Dental X-rays may also be used where clinically indicated to assess areas that cannot be fully evaluated by visual examination alone.
Arrange an Assessment for an Existing Filling
There is no fixed timeframe for how long a filling will remain serviceable. If you notice sensitivity, pain when biting, a chipped restoration or another change around a filling, Radiant Smiles Dental Bundoora can assess the tooth and discuss whether monitoring, repair, replacement or another treatment may be appropriate.
Contact Radiant Smiles Dental Bundoora to arrange an assessment if you have concerns about an existing filling or think you may need a new restoration.
