Most adults have at least one filling in their mouths. A filling can be silver (gray) or, these days, tooth-colored — but either way, this type of restorative dentistry treatment is used to arrest tooth decay and keep your smile healthy after a cavity. In most cases, a filling can last for years and years, but it will eventually need to be replaced. Keep reading to learn more about fillings and what you can expect from yours.
Types of Fillings
There are two main types of fillings: amalgam (silver/mercury) and composite fillings. Silver fillings were more common back in the day, but most dentists and patients today prefer composite fillings. Rather than metals, this option is made of composite resin (a mixture of smooth glass particles and resin) and can be shaded to match the surrounding tooth enamel to ensure that it looks completely natural with your smile.
Composite fillings also have the advantage that they require less of the tooth structure to be removed, which keeps more of your tooth intact after decay.
How Long Fillings Last
A good filling should last for decades if it is taken care of properly and nothing unusual happens. During your routine dental checkup and cleaning, your dentist will check on your fillings and make sure they are not leaking or causing any other issues.
You may notice a problem with your filling before you visit the dentist. Some of the signs that you have an issue with a filling include:
- Your tooth is sensitive to cold beverages/food
- It hurts to chew on the tooth
- The filling is a different color
- The filling falls out or is visibly broken
If there is a problem with a filling, prompt treatment is required. Sometimes, another filling can be placed. If more decay has occurred and healthy tooth structure has been lost, the tooth may require a crown.
How to Care for a Filling
You can take steps to keep your filling and the teeth that surround it healthy and strong. Some of these include:
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes at least twice per day
- Floss between teeth daily
- Visit the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning
- Have x-rays taken at the dentist as often as is recommended, usually annually
- Let your dentist know if you have pain or experience a problem with a filling
Follow these steps and your filling should last for a long while! But if something does go wrong, trust your dentist to take care of the issue promptly.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington is a general dentist who has been practicing in Castle Rock since 2002. He offers a range of services, from basic checkups and cleanings to surgery and dental implants, for complete treatment plans. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kennington, please contact the office by phone at 360-274-9100.