Almost 2.3 billion people across the world suffer from tooth decay, and more than 530 million children suffer from tooth decay of the primary teeth. Over time, due to several reasons, such as sugary foods and drinks, poor dental hygiene, or lack of fluoride, we all get cavities and go through a dental filling process, especially during adulthood.

Dental fillings are one of the most common reasons for visiting a dentist besides standard health checkup. It protects you from one of the biggest threats to your oral hygiene—tooth decay. It also improves your overall dental hygiene and restores your smile. However, you must know that most fillings do not last forever. Sooner or later, fillings will wear out, become loose, or develop other issues and need to be replaced. Read on to learn more about when you need a filling, what happens during the procedure, when to replace the fillings, and so on.

When Do You Need a Filling?

Most people will need at least one dental filling in their lifetime. So do not worry when your dentist tells you that you might need a filling during your regular dental check.

Usually, symptoms such as tooth sensitivity, a chipped or fractured tooth, dark spots, and sharp pain are indicators that you might need a filling. A dentist removes the decayed part and fills the gap to avoid further damage or spreading of the cavity to adjacent teeth. The treatment depends on the nature of the damage and the type of fillings. Fillings can be done using various materials; gold fillings, amalgam fillings, composite fillings, and porcelain fillings are some of the most commonly used. 

What Happens During a Dental Filling Process?

During a dental filling process, your dentist will first give your local anesthesia to numb the area. Then, they drill to cut through the enamel and remove the decay. After this, the dentist will use a lower-speed drill on the dentin to shape the tooth and prepare it for filling.

In certain cases, they use a base or liner to protect the tooth's pulp. If you have opted for a composite filling, one of the most popular among patients, the dentist will first etch the tooth with an acid gel to make tiny holes in the tooth's enamel filled with the selected composite material. Next, the dentist will use a dental device to finish and polish the filled tooth. 

What Is It like after Undergoing a Dental Filling Process?

You may experience tooth sensitivity after a dental filling, but these symptoms usually do not last long and fade with time. For instance, you may feel pain or extra pressure while chewing or a sudden sharp feeling of shock after getting a filling done.

It is important to know that this only happens if you have an amalgam filling in a bottom tooth and a gold crown in the tooth just above it. Though these symptoms do not last beyond two weeks, if you continue to feel sensitive or pain even after two weeks, you need to get in touch with your dentist. The dentist may use a different filling material or replace the existing filling with the same material. In addition, they may add a base, liner, or desensitizing agent to the tooth to eliminate sensitivity. 

How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?

Some filling materials are more durable than others; however, none last forever. For instance, gold and amalgam fillings can last 15 to 30 years, followed by ceramic fillings that last up to 15 years. On the other hand, composite and porcelain usually can be more fragile and last only 5 to 10 years, but they are cosmetically more appealing.

Remember, the longevity of fillings increases with proper care and good oral hygiene irrespective of what material it is made of. So, if you do not pay attention or indulge in things such as consuming a sugary diet, inadequate brushing, biting on ice or hard candy, or experiencing night-time teeth grinding, your dental filling materials will likely wear off and need a replacement regardless of their age.

Signs Your Dental Filling Needs to Be Replaced

Your dentist will monitor existing fillings during regular checkups and may suggest a replacement before it gets a chance to cause further damage. If you have suffered other oral problems, such as oral infections or dental damage, consult a dentist to determine whether your fillings need to be replaced. Below mentioned signs also might indicate that it is time to restore dental fillings:

1. Experiencing tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
2. Experiencing tooth sensitivity while brushing.
3. Pain in the location of the filling.
4. Loose or worn dental filling.

Please note that the type of your dental filling also plays a major role in determining when it needs to be replaced—resin dental fillings need to be replaced every 7 to 10 years, while amalgam and silver fillings can last up to 15 years.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing pain, sensitivity, or any one of the other symptoms mentioned above, reach out to a dentist. If left unattended, you leave your teeth vulnerable to another cavity. 

If you think it is time for a new filling, contact the experts at Gateway Family Dentistry located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. We offer a range of dental services, including dental fillings, using state-of-the-art technologies. Feel free to request an appointment today for more information.