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Some people may assume that fillings last forever. Sure, they last quite a while, but this does not mean they'll stay there forever. Sooner or later, that filling will wear out and come out, leaving the tooth exposed once again. Of course, when this happens, you'd want to get the tooth filled again.
However, you wouldn't want to wait for the filling to come out to fill it again. This can put your tooth at the risk of damage and decay. As such, the ideal way to replace your filling is to do so before it comes out.
That being said, how do you know when to replace the filling before it comes out? Here are the telltale signs to keep paying attention to:
1. Your Tooth's Sensitivity Increases
One of the telltale signs that you need to replace the filling is an increase in your tooth's sensitivity. This means that the tooth will hurt whenever you eat anything cold. This is not normal, and it will only get worse as the filling comes out.
2. Your Tooth Becomes Uneven
Another telltale sign is when your tooth becomes uneven. This is because the filling has lost its adhesion to the tooth. However, this does not mean that your tooth will feel uncomfortable. The dentist will be able to notice this at the early stages by running a finger over the tooth.
3. You Have a Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth is a good sign that your filling has been damaged. While the filling may not directly cause the crack, it can worsen it. When this happens, you'll feel a sharp pain whenever you chew food. Moreover, you may even notice that the tooth becomes sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. As such, if you notice your tooth is cracked, you will need to get your teeth refilled.
4. The Tooth Becomes Yellow
When the tooth loses its adhesion, the filling will start to come out. Moreover, the enamel will start to decay and become yellow. This can make your tooth look dingy and dull. To keep the tooth from getting yellow, you'll have to replace the filling as soon as you can.
5. You Have a Bad Breath
If the tooth begins to develop a cavity, then it might be time to replace the filling. This is because the cavity will begin to deepen, causing the tooth to become discolored. Moreover, you'll notice that you have bad breath. This is one of the signs of the decay itself, and if it is occurring in the filling area, then the filling needs to be changed as soon as possible.
6. You Notice Visible Damage
Of course, an obvious sign that your filling needs replacing is when the filling shows signs of visible damage. This means that you can see various forms of damage on it by simply looking at it. When this is the case, be sure to visit your dentist soon to get your filling replaced.
Conclusion
Now that you know what the signs of a damaged filling are, you'll want to get it replaced as soon as possible. Of course, you'll have to hire a dentist to do the refilling for you. However, the dentist will be the best person to assess the current state of your tooth and decide what needs to be done. If your fillings need to be replaced, they'll let you know of it, and they will ensure your tooth is filled properly.
Dental House MI is a dental practice that offers a wide variety of services such as dentures, preventive dentistry, and more. Reach out to our local dentist in Ann Arbor today and get your dental needs met!
