Having your tooth fillings in Blythewood, SC checked this season can help catch small concerns before holiday plans fill your calendar.
Call Blythewood Village Dentistry at 803-653-6331 for an appointment. Fall is a smart time to make sure older dental work is still doing its job. A filling can become worn, cracked, or loose even when the tooth does not hurt.
The simple answer: Fillings face years of pressure from chewing, biting, and changes in temperature.
For many years, metal amalgam was a common choice for repairing cavities. It is strong and can last for years. Still, no dental filling lasts forever.
Hot and cold foods can cause metal fillings to expand and shrink a small amount. Daily chewing also puts force on the filling and the tooth around it. Over time, the edges may stop fitting as tightly as they once did.
If a small gap forms, bacteria can enter underneath. New decay may grow below the filling without being easy to see.
You may notice a problem before your next dental exam. Other times, a dentist finds it during a checkup or on an X-ray.
Signs that deserve attention may include:
Why it matters: Early treatment may keep damage from spreading deeper into the tooth.
If an older filling is failing, your dentist can discuss several ways to repair the tooth.
Composite resin is often used for smaller areas. This material can be shaded to blend with your natural enamel. It also attaches directly to the tooth.
Larger areas may need another type of restoration. An inlay or onlay can rebuild part of the chewing surface. A dental crown covers more of the tooth and may be recommended when significant damage has weakened it.
When checking tooth fillings in Blythewood, your dentist can look at the amount of healthy tooth left, the size of the repair, and how much pressure the tooth receives when you bite.
No, an older metal filling does not need replacement just because it has been there for many years.
If the filling remains secure and the tooth is healthy, leaving it alone may be the better choice. Taking out a filling that still works can remove healthy tooth structure.
Regular dental exams help track changes over time. Your dentist can look for worn edges, cracks, decay, and other signs that treatment may be needed.
October gives you time to handle dental care before the holidays arrive. Fixing a damaged filling now could lower the chance of dealing with tooth pain during a family meal, trip, or celebration.
Fall may also be a good time to review your remaining dental insurance benefits. Some plans reset at the end of the year, so unused coverage may be lost.
If you receive new tooth fillings in Blythewood, good daily habits can help protect them. Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, floss daily, and avoid chewing ice or other very hard items.
Call Blythewood Village Dentistry at 803-653-6331 to schedule an appointment. You can also schedule online. Have your older fillings examined and keep your teeth ready for the months ahead.
