Fillings, crowns, bridges and veneers are some of the dental services that will help to restore your smile as well as improve your overall oral health. Unfortunately, they do not last indefinitely. No matter how well done, all dental restorations will eventually wear out, break down, or become ineffective. Recognizing the early warning signs of …
Fillings, crowns, bridges and veneers are some of the dental services that will help to restore your smile as well as improve your overall oral health. Unfortunately, they do not last indefinitely. No matter how well done, all dental restorations will eventually wear out, break down, or become ineffective. Recognizing the early warning signs of when you need to replace your old work will help you avoid further problems and maintain a healthy smile.
At Toothworks Dental Clinic in Mahim, we see many patients with aging restorations who require treatment. Knowing when to replace your dental restorations can save you money, discomfort and possible long-term damage.
Why Dental Work Doesn’t Last Forever
Dental restorations endure a daily load through the forces of chewing, temperature fluctuations. Fillings and restorative materials generally last between 5 to 15 years, depending on your oral hygiene, habits, and the level of care you provide to your teeth.
For example:
• Fillings: 5 – 15 Years
• Crowns: 10 – 15+ Years
• Bridges: 10 – 20+ Years
Even when a person takes excellent care of their restorations, there must always be periodic dental examinations to check their status.
Key Signs Your Dental Work Needs Replacement
1. Persistent Tooth Pain or Sensitivity
When eating hot, cold, or sweet foods, if you feel discomfort, this could signify that the restoration is not sealing properly and allowing bacteria to cause decay to the restoration.
Pain is usually one of the first signs that something is wrong.
2. Visible Cracks or Damage
Check your teeth regularly for cracks, chips, or wear on fillings or crowns; if you see any of these, it’s a sign that they need to be replaced. If the restoration is damaged, then it will not be able to protect your tooth as well and could worsen over time.
3. Loose or Shifting Dental Work
A loose filling, crown or bridge is very concerning and should be checked right away, as any space created between these restorations and the underlying tooth will allow bacteria.
This issue must be addressed immediately to prevent further complications from arising.
4. Gum Inflammation Around Restored Teeth
Redness, swelling, or bleeding of gums surrounding crowns or bridges could indicate lack of proper fit and accumulation of bacteria. Outdated dental work continues to irritate the adjacent tissue if they don’t fit properly anymore.
5. Changes in Bite or Chewing Difficulty
If your bite doesn’t feel right, or you’re having pain with chewing or having trouble biting down that means your restoration has moved or has wear/tear and may lead to jaw pain or more dental problems down the road if left uncorrected.
Risks of Ignoring Old Dental Work
If replacement is delayed on failing restorations, it can lead to:
• Decay under restoration
• Infection or abscess
• Fracture of the tooth
• Gum disease
• Complex treatments (like root canals and implants)
Modern Solutions for Replacement
Digital dentistry has advanced the availability of more aesthetic and durable solutions compared to any previous period. The following are examples of some of the current options
• Tooth-colored composite fillings
• Ceramic or zirconia crowns
• Advanced dental bridges
• Digital smile design for precise restorations
Modern technology allows for greater precision in treatment helping to provide more comfortable and long-term results.
How to Extend the Life of Your Dental Work
There are several ways to ensure the long-term survival of your dental restorations:
• Using fluoride toothpaste twice a day
• Regularly flossing
• Avoiding hard food and grinding your teeth
• Going to the dentist every six months
• Taking care of small, minor problems before they
become big problems
Preventive care is important for the health of both your natural and restored teeth.
Regular dental checkups allow dental professionals to identify issues that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Conclusion
Looking for early warning, symptoms can help reduce pain and avoid any complications or expenses from needing repair work done.
If you think your tooth restorations need replacing, have a consultation at a time that works for you to have your smile restored and regain function and confidence in your smile.
FAQs
1. How do I know if my dental filling needs replacing?
If your current one is cracked or discolored, has sensitivity or causes pain, it should be replaced. Your dentist will be able to tell you this from checking or taking x-rays of the area concerned.
2. How long do dental crowns last?
Crowns generally last about 10-15 years; however, taking proper care of them can extend that life significantly.
3. Can old dental work cause tooth decay?
Yes, worn or damaged dental work can allow bacteria to enter and cause decay beneath the restoration.
4. Is it painful to replace old fillings or crowns?
No, dental procedures are generally not painful because they are performed using local anaesthesia. There are many modern techniques employed to minimize any discomfort experienced during the procedure.
5. What happens if I don’t replace a damaged crown?
Ignoring a damaged crown you may develop further tooth decay, infection or complete loss of the tooth will occur over time.
6. How often should dental work be checked?
Dental work should be checked during routine dental visits, ideally every 6 months.
