Key Takeaways
- Older silver fillings can weaken over time, leading to cracks, leaks, or sensitivity.
- Modern tooth-colored restorations bond tightly and look more natural than metal fillings.
- Searching “tooth filling near me” often leads patients to practices offering updated, safer materials.
- Replacing old fillings protects your tooth from further decay and restores strength.
- Clove Dental Sherman Oaks offers gentle, precise replacement options designed to blend seamlessly with your smile.
Have you ever wondered whether your old silver fillings should be replaced, especially if they’re decades old? If they’re cracking, leaking, or causing discomfort, it may be time to upgrade to a safer, more natural-looking option.
Many adults in Sherman Oaks still have silver (amalgam) fillings from years ago. These fillings worked well at the time, but modern dentistry has evolved. Today’s tooth-colored materials bond better, last longer, and blend in beautifully. When patients search “tooth filling near me,” they often want a solution that not only repairs their tooth but also improves the appearance of their smile.
At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, we help patients decide when replacement is necessary and how modern restorations can strengthen and refresh their teeth.
Why Silver Fillings Don’t Last Forever
Silver fillings were once the main option for repairing cavities. Over time, though, exposure to chewing pressure and temperature changes can cause them to weaken. As they age, silver fillings may:
- Crack or chip
- Pull away from the tooth edges
- Allow bacteria to enter
- Stain surrounding enamel
- Cause sensitivity to pressure or temperature
Some patients notice these changes, while others only learn about them during an exam. If you’ve been considering searching “tooth filling near me,” it may be because you’ve started feeling something isn’t quite right.
When a filling begins to fail, replacing it early prevents the problem from spreading deeper into the tooth.
Why Many Patients Prefer Tooth-Colored Fillings Today
Modern white fillings, known as composite restorations, have several advantages over older silver ones.
1. They Look Completely Natural
Composite fillings blend with your enamel, so no one can see where the repair begins and ends.
2. They Bond to the Tooth
Unlike metal fillings that sit in place, tooth-colored materials bond securely to the tooth structure. This makes the treated tooth stronger overall.
3. Less Tooth Removal Is Needed
We keep more of your natural tooth when using composite material, which helps support long-term health.
4. No Metal Expansion or Contraction
Silver fillings can expand and contract with temperature changes, leading to tiny fractures. Composite fillings stay stable.
These benefits are why more patients who search “tooth filling near me” end up choosing modern, tooth-colored restorations.
Signs Your Silver Filling May Need Replacement
You might not notice obvious problems, but certain symptoms can signal that a filling is failing:
- A sharp edge or chip
- Dark staining around the filling
- Sensitivity when chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Food gets stuck around the tooth
- A feeling that the filling is loose
If any of these sound familiar, it’s a good time to have the tooth evaluated.
Clove Dental Sherman Oaks checks for cracks, gaps, and weakened tooth structure during every exam. When a filling is no longer protecting the tooth, replacing it with a composite restoration helps prevent further decay.
How the Replacement Process Works
Replacing old fillings is usually straightforward and gentle. Here’s what the appointment typically looks like:
1. We Remove the Old Filling
This allows us to inspect the tooth carefully and clean out any hidden decay.
2. We Prepare the Tooth
The area is shaped so the new restoration can bond properly.
3. We Place the Composite Material
The tooth-colored resin is layered, shaped, and matched perfectly to your natural shade.
4. We Harden and Polish
A curing light sets the material, and we polish it until it looks and feels like natural enamel.
Many patients are surprised by how comfortable the process is. If you’ve searched “tooth filling near me” and felt unsure about the process, rest assured that modern techniques make the experience smooth and stress-free.
Why Replacing Fillings Early Matters
A worn or leaking filling can create hidden decay beneath the surface. If left untreated, this can lead to:
- Larger cavities
- Tooth fractures
- Root canal treatment
- Loss of the tooth
Replacing silver fillings before they deteriorate helps preserve your natural tooth structure and prevents more serious dental work later.
Modern composite fillings also support the tooth better, reducing the risk of future cracks.
Who Should Consider Upgrading Silver Fillings?
You may want to replace your old fillings if you:
- Feel sensitivity or pressure on a filled tooth
- Want a more natural-looking smile
- Notice cracking, chipping, or dark edges
- Prefer metal-free restorations
- Have older fillings that are 10–20 years old
During your visit, we’ll discuss whether replacement is necessary or optional. Sometimes the filling is still functional, and other times the tooth is ready for an upgrade.
We Make Tooth-Colored Restorations Simple and Comfortable
At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, our goal is to help you feel confident in your smile and comfortable during treatment. Whether you’re dealing with sensitivity, a chipped filling, or just want a cleaner, brighter look, we provide careful evaluations and natural-looking solutions.
If you’ve been thinking about replacing your old restorations and searching “tooth filling near me,” you’ll find that modern composite fillings offer both strength and beauty, without the downsides of older silver material.
FAQs
Do old silver fillings really need to be replaced?
Not always, but many do. Silver fillings can crack, leak, or separate from the tooth over time. If this happens, replacing them helps prevent deeper decay or damage.
How do I know if a silver filling is failing?
Common signs include sensitivity to temperature, pain when chewing, dark edges around the filling, or feeling like the filling is rough or chipped.
Are tooth-colored fillings stronger than silver fillings?
Yes. Modern composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, which helps strengthen it. Silver fillings don’t bond and can weaken the tooth as they expand and contract.
Will replacing my old filling hurt?
Most patients say the process feels quick and comfortable. We numb the tooth, remove the old filling, clean the area, and place a new tooth-colored restoration.
Do tooth-colored fillings look natural?
Absolutely. They are matched to your exact tooth shade, so the repair blends in seamlessly.
How long do modern composite fillings last?
With good brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, composite fillings can last many years. Their lifespan depends on biting habits, the size of the filling, and overall oral care.