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What to Do If Your Old Filling Fails

Dental fillings don’t last forever. With proper care and regular dentist visits, they can last for as long as 10-15 years, but once that mark has passed, they might start failing and you will need to replace it. 

But, a failed filling isn’t always as obvious as you may think. So, here’s how to determine if your old filling is failing and what to do when it happens. 

Signs Your Old Filling Is Failing

In some instances, a failed filling can be a very evident thing. For example, you’re eating hard food, like an apple or popcorn, and all of sudden, you hear a popping noise and can feel a hole where the filling used to be. 

But, more often than not, the signs of a failing filling are more subtle than that: 

  • Discoloration Near the Filling: If you notice that the area around the filling is turning gray, then that’s a sure sign that the filling is loose and bacteria has managed to get underneath it. 
  • Tooth Sensitivity: You may start to experience tooth sensitivity when eating cold or warm foods. If the damage is extensive and the cavity has reached deeper into the tooth, then you may also start experiencing a toothache. 
  • The Filling Feels Different: Normally, you wouldn’t feel the filling or think too much about it. But, when touching the area with your tongue and feeling it to be a bit different, then that might be a sign that the filling is getting loose. 

What to Do If Your Filling Is Failing

Is a failed filling a dental emergency? In most cases, it is. A lot of patients experience severe tooth pain after their old filling has failed and need to be seen by a dentist right away. 

But, even if you aren’t experiencing any pain at the moment, you should still book your appointment as soon as possible. A failed filling means that tooth decay is wreaking havoc and while you may not feel any pain right now if left untreated it can lead to tooth infection. Tooth infection usually requires a root canal or even extraction if the damage is beyond repair. 

Did Your Filling Fail? Get in Touch with Us ASAP

Time is of the essence when it comes to treating failed fillings. The more you wait, the higher the risk that the decay will expand and you will require more treatment. 

We understand very well that a lot of people are afraid of the dentist and postpone booking their appointments until the very last minute. But, here at Elite Dentistry, we’re focused on creating a warm and friendly environment that can make even the most anxious patient feel at home.

Get in touch with us as quickly as possible because a failed filling is a serious dental issue that needs to be treated promptly. 

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