If the filling has not been adequately prepared, the mixture may not bond properly to the tooth tissue. This may cause the filling to fall out, which could then allow further decay to form and lead to long lasting toothache and infection.
A dental x-ray will show overhangs, rough areas, decay, voids or holes below fillings where bacteria can accumulate. Decay often begins around the edges of fillings or crowns where two materials come together – in this case, tooth enamel and metal.
A bad filling could cause you to feel some sharp tooth pain when biting down and chewing with the tooth and may undergo changes in texture and coloring in the surrounding tooth enamel as bacteria affects the seam that seals the filling to the tooth enamel.
However, if a filling fails, then the tooth can quickly become re-infected and require further restoration. Due to extensive tooth damage, a filling may no longer suffice and you may require root canal treatment or tooth extraction to stop the decay from spreading.
Discoloration near the filling – If you see that the area around your filling has a gray, discolored appearance, this is a sure sign that your filing has failed. This discoloration is likely caused by tooth decay. As bacteria eat away at the area, the tooth may continue to become more and more discolored.
In many cases, a dental filling failing is simply the result of time. While dental fillings are strong and durable, they do still wear out over time. You will probably need to have your filling replaced a few times throughout your life, and it isn't necessarily cause for concern.
If the filling has not been adequately prepared, the mixture may not bond properly to the tooth tissue and this may cause the filling to fall out or cause a gap, which could then allow further decay to form and lead to long lasting toothache as the pulp of the tooth becomes infected.
Most of the time, a lost filling is not considered a dental emergency. However, if you are experiencing pain and sensitivity around the affected tooth, it's not something you should ignore. Our recommendation is that you wait no longer than 3 days to see our dentists.
If your filling fell out but you're feeling no pain, you can wait a little longer -a few days to a week. It's not an immediate emergency, but we still need to get you in because your tooth will continue to decay. The cracked filling is exposed to bacteria, which will rot the tooth.
The longer you wait to fill a cavity, the more likely it becomes that you will need a root canal to repair the damage to the tooth.
Usually, the tooth's outer layers — the enamel and cementum — protect the nerve from exposure. But fillings, especially deep ones, can get close to the nerve endings and cause irritation and uncomfortable sensations. As the nerve heals, the sensitivity will go away. This may take a few days or weeks.
redness inside the mouth, or outside the mouth on the face or jaw. sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink in the affected area. a bad taste in your mouth. difficulty opening your mouth and chewing food.
Do dental fillings hurt when they're replaced? Dental fillings should never hurt when they're replaced since patients will always be given a local anaesthetic to ease any discomfort.
Although uncommon, if your composite filling needs a touchup, we can repair it by adding more composite material. Its easy application, durability, and natural aesthetics make composite the preferred material for fillings among our dentists as well.
Symptoms of an Uneven Filling
It may scrape against the tissue inside your mouth as you chew or talk. No matter what tooth it is you may notice problems with your speech. It may be difficult to pronounce certain letters correctly. You could also start experiencing headaches for no apparent reason.
Dental fillings that are going bad may become discolored. You may also be able to see where the filling is becoming separated from the tooth. It is not uncommon for a bad feeling to cause no noticeable symptoms. This is one reason why it is so important to schedule regular checkups with our dental office.
In most cases, by the time you notice the symptoms of tooth decay, it will be too late to reverse the damage with natural methods. You will need to consult your dentist to prevent the damage from spreading to other areas of the tooth.
On average, you can expect a metal filling to last for about 15 years before needing to be replaced, but the length of time can vary based on several factors, such as if you grind or clench your teeth. Tooth-colored fillings are made from a mixture of fine glass and plastic particles.
If the filling is too close to the nerve, it may get infected slowly. Dentists can't predict the time frame for the tooth to become infected. If infected, you may experience a throbbing pain or a dental abscess.
When fitted badly, filling can actually increase decay, meaning more fillings are needed in other teeth.
After the completion of a filling, teeth may be hot, cold, or pressure sensitive, which is completely normal and known as pulpitis. Anytime a tooth undergoes the trauma of being drilled and restored, the nerve can become agitated and produce sensitivity that can last for days to weeks.
Unfortunately, tooth decay can still happen underneath a filling, especially if the filling has been cracked, worn, or otherwise damaged. In these cases, bacteria can enter your tooth and a new cavity can start again.
They will also be able to see if your filling has cracks or has worn away. Your dentist will also use dental X-rays to see if there is any tooth decay underneath your fillings and between your teeth that is hard to detect by just looking at a tooth.
This is common. Most likely your new dental filling is taller than your teeth are used to and needs to be adjusted. The topography of your tooth before and after the filling will never be exactly the same. Some people have a higher acuity for this change.