When to Replace Dental Fillings

How do I know when it is time to replace my dental fillings, how do I know when they are worn out? Do they ever wear out? Can't I keep them forever? What can happen to my teeth?

Gold, silver, white, whatever your dental fillings look like, most likely they will not last for the rest of your life and will need to be replaced.

The true gold fillings, which were called gold foil, were pounded into teeth and were very tightly packed. When done well, they were the longest lasting of the three materials. Most dentists today have abandoned the use of gold foil. If you can find somebody to do them, they will probably last a long time. The disadvantages are that they must be kept very small, so they aren't good in many situations and it can be traumatic to the tooth to pound them into place. They are also expensive in time and materials.

Silver(amalgam) and white(composite) fillings are the materials in use today. Amalgam is more economical and less technique sensitive. Composite looks better, but is harder to do. Neither one will last a lifetime. The problem lies in keeping a non-functioning filling in the mouth because "it doesn't hurt." The decay, or cracking underneath can be destroying the tooth and you won't have a clue until there is a fracture or a toothache. By that time, more extensive treatment will be needed to save the tooth. If any or all of the following conditions are present, then it is time to remove the filling:

• gaps between the filling and the tooth
• decay under the filling seen on an x-ray
• a crack, or cracks in the filling material
• discoloration of the tooth which may be a sign of decay
• a crack, or cracks in the tooth
• fracture of the filling
• excessive wear of the filling

Your dentist, using magnification, is the best one to determine the status of your restorations. On average, 15 years seems to be about the limit for most fillings. If you had a lot of fillings done when you were a teenager, then you are going to need a lot of re-treatment when you are in your 30's. It is best to plan ahead and replace before there is a major problem. The longer bad fillings stay in your mouth, the more likely you will need crowns and root canals to restore the teeth. If the existing fillings are not too big and there is enough healthy tooth, then the fillings can be replaced with new ones. Leaving old dental fillings in place can also harm your gums, since they can trap the plaque which causes gum disease.

How is a dental filling determined to be non-functioning?

Examination and x-rays are used to evaluate dental fillings. Here are some of the terms the dentist may use when doing your exam. If you hear any of them, be prepared to ask questions about the status of your fillings: open margins, recurrent decay, fracture, fracture line, decalcification, leakage, leaking, failing restoration, overhang.

This is one of those times when waiting too long can actually result in loss of the tooth. You will not be able to tell on your own when your fillings start to fail. If you want to see, ask your dentist to take a photo.(see some examples below) When magnified, you should be able to see the problem. Everything wears out and your dental fillings are no exception. Just think how much you have used them. They have been busy functioning to seal your teeth and help you chew every day since you got them. The mouth is a harsh environment with constantly changing temperatures, pH, and forces. It is a wonder they last as long as they do. Have your fillings checked regularly to see if they are still functioning at their best.

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