3 Things That Can Go Wrong With A Dental Filling

While dental fillings last a long time, they don't last forever. Sometimes, you have to replace an old filling with a new one or repair some damage. What are the signs that you have a problem with a filling?

1. The Filling Falls Out

Some fillings fall out completely when they fail. The filling might have broken so badly that it can't stay in place, or it might have had to put up with so much stress that it falls out. Sometimes, underlying damage such as decay compromises the filled area and loosens the filling.

If a filling falls out when you're eating or brushing your teeth, then you might immediately know that it is gone. However, sometimes, you won't realize that you've lost the filling for a while. You might even swallow it accidentally if it falls out when you are eating.

Typically, you'll then notice the missing filling because your tooth surface feels different. You might feel the hole with your tongue or notice that the tooth feels different when you eat. If the filling has been gone for a while or has fallen out because of underlying damage, then your tooth might start to hurt.

2. The Filling Breaks

While strong, fillings can get damaged. For example, part of a filling might break off. Or, the filling might fracture or crack. If a filling chips, then you can often feel the damage with your tongue. For example, if you lose part of a filling on the edge of a tooth, then you'll feel the gap.

Cracks and fractures can make the surface of a filled tooth feel rough and uneven. However, you won't always notice this damage immediately. Some people only notice a minor crack in a filled tooth when the tooth starts to feel painful or sensitive.

3. The Filling Wears Down

Sometimes, fillings stay in place and in one piece but start to wear down. This is most likely to happen on your back teeth. Fillings in this part of your mouth have to put up with a lot of grinding pressure as you eat. This pressure can cause some wear.

Here, you might notice that the surface of the filled tooth feels different. The filling might feel like it has receded. While it might not be a problem yet, it does need to be checked. If it ultimately fails, you could have future tooth decay problems.

If you think you have a problem with a filling, then contact your dentist. They can check the filling and fix any damage. For more information, contact a dentist near you.