Dental fillings protect decayed teeth, restore function, and stop the decay from spreading. But even the best fillings seldom last forever. Over time, cracks form, edges wear down, and growing gaps invite trouble. It’s a huge disappointment when a trusted filling fails, but there is good news. Teeth often send clear signals when something is amiss, and that is usually the case with fillings.
Signs of Filling Failure
Spotting a damaged filling early prevents bigger dental issues. Carefully consider the following signs of potential filling failure.
Tooth Sensitivity & Pain
Sensitivity in a filled tooth points to wear or cracks in the filling and signals the need for dental attention.
- Sharp pain when drinking something ice-cold or steaming hot
- Throbbing aches or pains when biting or chewing
- Lingering pain in the tooth
Tooth sensitivity is almost always a sign of damaged tooth enamel, exposed tooth pulp, or gum recession that has exposed the tooth’s dentin layer that is normally covered by gum tissue. All of these problems, whether they are related to a failed filling or not, require immediate attention from a dentist.
Changes in Shape or Texture
Fillings sometimes shift, crack, or fall out completely, which changes the shape or texture of a tooth.
- Rough or sharp edges on a once-smooth tooth
- A dip in a tooth that wasn’t there before
The tongue can tell and usually provides you with a sign that something has changed about a tooth. Pay attention to the sensations your tongue provides regarding the health of your teeth!
Stuck Food
A gap between a filling and the tooth enamel usually allows food to get stuck on a regular basis. This increases the risk of tooth decay.
Bad Taste or Odor
When a filling no longer fits snugly, it creates the perfect hiding place for harmful bacteria. While the microbes may be out of reach from your toothbrush, they can’t escape your senses. A sour taste or odd smell in the mouth often points to decay hiding beneath or around a loose filling. A new problem with bad breath almost always points to impending periodontitis or tooth decay.
Visible Filling or Enamel Damage
When inspecting your teeth in the mirror, visible damage, such as a missing piece of filling material, a crack in the filling, or no filling at all, is an obvious sign that something is wrong.
Ignoring a damaged filling allows bacteria to invade the interior of the tooth. Decay spreads, leading to infection, a root canal procedure, or even tooth loss. Early attention to filling failure keeps treatment simple and affordable.
Face the Facts and Act Fast
The team at Placerville Dental Group restores damaged fillings quickly and comfortably. We offer emergency appointments, even on Saturday and Sunday! If you determine that you have a filling that is failing, call us as soon as possible. Your tooth deserves a strong filling to support and protect your oral health!
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