An October check of your dental fillings in Edgewood, KY can uncover problems before they become painful or harder to repair. Your old fillings may deserve some attention before the busy holiday season arrives.
Call 859-474-7830 for an appointment at Edgewood Dental Care. Even a filling that has lasted for years can become worn or damaged.
The big picture: Fillings work hard every day.
Every bite puts pressure on your teeth and dental work. Over many years, that force can wear down a filling or weaken the tooth around it.
Older silver fillings are usually made with amalgam, a mixture of metals. These fillings are strong, but they can change slightly in size when exposed to hot and cold temperatures. Years of these small changes may affect how well a filling fits.
If the edge of a filling pulls away from the tooth, bacteria can enter the tiny opening. Decay may then form underneath or around the repair.
Sometimes, nothing at all. A filling can develop a problem without causing immediate pain.
That is one reason regular dental exams matter. Your dentist may notice a concern before you do. X-rays can also reveal decay that is difficult to see during an exam.
Still, watch for changes such as:
Do not ignore a new change because the discomfort seems minor. Treating the tooth sooner may help prevent further damage.
It depends on how much of the tooth needs help.
A small or moderate area may be restored with composite resin. This tooth-colored material is matched to your enamel and bonded directly to the tooth.
If more tooth structure has been lost, another type of restoration may offer better support. An inlay or onlay can repair a larger section of the tooth. A crown covers the visible tooth and may be recommended when the tooth has become too weak for a filling.
When evaluating dental fillings in Edgewood, your dentist can check the filling, nearby enamel, and your bite before recommending treatment.
No. Age alone is not a reason to remove a metal filling.
Some silver fillings stay strong and sealed for many years. If there is no crack, decay, or other problem, your dentist may recommend continuing to watch the filling during regular checkups.
Replacing a healthy restoration can remove some natural tooth structure. The goal is to treat a filling when there is a dental reason to do so.
October offers time to address dental concerns before Thanksgiving, holiday travel, and year-end activities.
It is also a good time to review your dental insurance. Depending on your plan, unused benefits may expire at the end of the year. Taking care of needed treatment now could help you make better use of your coverage.
After getting new dental fillings in Edgewood, brush twice each day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily. Avoid chewing ice and other very hard objects that could damage your teeth or restorations.
This fall, have your older fillings checked and take care of problems before the holidays arrive.
Call 859-474-7830 or contact us online to schedule an appointment at Edgewood Dental Care.
