A dental filling can repair a decaying tooth and prevent further decay, but is not intended to be a permanent solution. Even the very best filling materials have to last for years, which is their daily chewing, temperature shifts and daily wear. The ability to understand the reasons behind the failure of fillings can help you take proactive steps to safeguard your smile and prevent the need for more involved dental interventions in the future.
If you’re looking into dental fillings in Sherman Oaks, it’s important to know these factors to help you maintain your fillings for several years.
Everyday Wear and Tear
All of your bites exert force on your teeth. The molars bear a considerable force during chewing, especially. This constant pressure can over time fatigue filling materials making them wear out, chip or fall out.
Regular check-ups can detect small changes early before they become bigger problems.
Teeth Grinding and Clenching
People grind or clench their teeth while they sleep but they don’t even know they are doing it. This is called bruxism, and it puts undue strain on both the teeth and fillings.
Cracks might grow over time, potentially reducing the lifespan of a restoration. If your dentist suggests wearing a custom night guard, you can avoid undue stress and extend the life of your dental fillings in Sherman Oaks.
New Decay Around the Filling
A filling is to fill in past cavities, but it does not stop new cavities from developing around the edges. If you don’t brush and floss often enough, plaque and bacteria can accumulate where the filling meets the natural tooth.
One of the best ways to prolong the life of any filling is to keep the oral cavity healthy.
Large Fillings Naturally Have More Stress
If a cavity is large, the filling needs to be a larger portion of the original tooth. Generally, larger dental fillings in Sherman Oaks will put more pressure on these teeth when chewing, which increases the chance of wearing out or breaking in the long term.
Your dentist may suggest an alternative restoration in certain cases when it is more supportive in the long-term.
Changes in Filling Materials Over Time
The life expectancy of filling materials vary. While composite resin gives the natural look, in certain situations other materials may be more durable.
The dentist at Clove Dental Sherman Oaks won’t prescribe identical materials to all of their patients, but will take into account your long-term dental care goals, bite pressure, and the location of the tooth in your mouth.
Temperature Changes Affect Teeth
Hot coffee with ice water may not seem like a big deal, but these changes in temperature repeat over and over, expanding and contracting teeth and filling materials. The small movements can over time make the filling separate from the tooth.
These changes are gradual, but regular dental checkups allow for the identification of early symptoms of deterioration before they become significant and need to be replaced. If you have dental fillings in Sherman Oaks, routine visits can help ensure your fillings remain secure and continue protecting your teeth.
Accidents Can Damage Fillings
Unexpected hard foods, sports injuries or accidental trauma can cause cracks in both the tooth and filling. Damage may seem insignificant, but the bacteria may enter the small fractures and cause more decay.
If a filling becomes rough, loose or hurts when it suddenly does, it is best to schedule an evaluation as soon as possible to avoid complications.
Skipping Regular Dental Visits
A large number of filling issues occur gradually and don’t cause any discomfort initially. Small gaps, worn edges or small fractures are not easily noticed and are only painful when symptoms develop.
Regular checkups of dental fillings in Sherman Oaks give dentists a way to keep track of dental fillings, catching changes early and offering solutions that don’t require more extensive treatment.
Every Filling Has a Natural Lifespan
With the best care, no dental restorations last forever. The life of the filling will vary based on the filling material, size, tooth, daily habits and mouth health.
Patients also understand that they will need to have their fillings maintained after they have been placed, avoiding the discomfort that they may experience.
What You Can Do to Help Fillings Last Longer
While it may be a fact that your fillings will be replaced at some point in time, there are a few habits that can help prolong their lifespan:
- Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.
- Gently floss between all restored teeth.
- Don’t chew on ice and other very hard substances.
- Use a night guard for teeth grinding.
- Have a well-balanced diet, and avoid too many sugary snacks.
- Regularly check for and clean.
- If sensitivity or discomfort occurs, treat it immediately.
These easy methods can help to keep your dental fillings in Sherman Oaks safe and prevent the chance of any unexpected damage.
Conclusion
Though dental fillings are durable, they wear with time and use. They can wear out in various ways, including chewing pressure, grinding, new dental decay, wear caused by the aging of the material or by not visiting a dentist. Once you know these 9 reasons, you can take action that helps keep your restorations healthy as long as possible.
Changes in the filling or for any other reason, you want to keep your oral health in good condition, dental evaluations and preventive care can help ensure your dental fillings in Sherman Oaks continue to protect your smile for years to come.