Fillings are designed to repair small to medium cavities that are limited to the enamel layer of one of your teeth. While they are intended to last for a long time, it’s not unheard of for a filling to have a problem, such as new decay forming near it, or the natural bacteria in your mouth weakening the cement holding it in place.
There are a few warning signs of a problematic filling that are worthy of your attention. If you experience a sharp pain when biting down or chewing on the tooth or a change in texture is often a sign that the filling is about to fail. This might also be accompanied by a slight gray color in the nearby enamel, as bacteria weaken the cement holding the filling in place.
If you notice signs of problem in an old filling, you should call Radiant Smiles Family Dentistry as soon as possible. If the problem isn’t resolved in a timely manner the problem could develop into something serious. Sometimes your dentist can repair the area by simply removing a small amount of additional enamel and cementing a new filling in place.
If a large, old or otherwise problematic filling as developed additional areas of tooth decay, there might not be enough enamel to secure a new filling in place. In a situation like that, Radiant Smiles Family Dentistry will often recommend that the tooth be fitted for a crown.
If you have a suspect or problematic filling, you need to call Radiant Smiles Family Dentistry at (425) 828.9721 to schedule an appointment, as soon as possible.