Signs It's Time to Have Your Dental Filling Replaced

Almost 90% of Americans ages 20-64 have experienced dental decay, which means they’ve had cavities and probably fillings too.

When you get a filling, you’re probably not thinking about how long it might last — you just want to get out of the dentist’s office and back home as soon as possible.

But fillings can and do wear out and need replacing. Here are a few signs it’s time to replace a dental filling, courtesy of the expert team at Smile Design Manhattan in New York City.

It’s cracked or broken

Fillings are designed to be strong and durable, but they do experience a lot of wear-and-tear over the years. You might see a crack in the filling or notice small pieces have fallen off.

Some cracks can only be seen on X-ray, so it’s important to schedule your regular dental exams. Harmful bacteria can enter even the smallest crack in your tooth, so don’t wait to fix cracked or broken fillings.

It’s discolored

Porcelain and composite resin are often used for fillings, which are fabricated to match the natural color of your teeth. If you notice the fillings changing color, becoming darker, or turning yellow, it may be time to replace them. 

Older metal fillings won’t match your tooth color but may darken over the years.

It’s fallen out

This one is pretty obvious. If your filling has become completely dislodged, it’s time for a replacement to keep your tooth strong and healthy. When a filling falls out, you may feel a gap in your tooth or even find the filling in your mouth. 

Your tooth hurts

Tooth pain or sensitivity is also a sign it’s time to replace your dental filling. This discomfort can be general and constant or sudden and deep; you may be sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks. These symptoms can indicate the filling no longer has a tight seal with the tooth.

You’ve had a mouth injury

If you’ve had recent trauma to your mouth, such as in an accident, you may need your fillings replaced sooner than usual. Such an injury could’ve loosened or damaged your fillings, or even knocked them out.

After any facial trauma, it’s a good idea to visit the dentist to make sure everything is OK.

If you have a dental filling that needs replacing, the experts at Smile Design Manhattan can help. Call our office in the Midtown West neighborhood today to schedule an appointment, or book your visit online.