Dental fillings are designed to repair and protect teeth that have been damaged by decay or wear. They can last for many years, but they do not necessarily last forever.
Over time, a filling can wear down, chip, crack or become loose. Sometimes the tooth around an older filling can also change, allowing new problems to develop.
The difficulty is that a failing filling does not always hurt.
At Kennett Road Dental Practice in Headington, Oxford, we regularly check existing fillings as part of routine dental examinations so that changes can be identified before they develop into more significant problems.
So, how can you tell if one of your fillings may need replacing?
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?
There is no single lifespan that applies to every filling.
How long a filling lasts depends on several factors, including the material used, the size and position of the filling, how much pressure the tooth experiences, your oral hygiene and habits such as grinding or clenching your teeth.
A small filling in one tooth may remain healthy for many years, while a larger restoration under greater pressure may need attention sooner.
This is why we assess fillings based on their condition rather than simply their age.
An old filling does not automatically need to be replaced if it is still sound and the surrounding tooth is healthy.
What Are the Signs That a Filling May Need Replacing?
Sometimes a problem with a filling is obvious. At other times, the first sign may simply be that the tooth feels different.
Some things to look out for include:
- a filling that has chipped or broken
- part or all of a filling coming out
- new sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
- pain or discomfort when biting
- a rough or sharp edge that you can feel with your tongue
- food repeatedly becoming trapped around the tooth
- a filling that feels loose or different from before
- toothache around a previously filled tooth
These symptoms do not necessarily mean that the filling must be replaced, but they are good reasons to have the tooth assessed by a dentist.
Does a Chipped Filling Need to Be Replaced?
A chipped filling should be checked even if the tooth is not painful.
The appropriate treatment will depend on how much of the filling has been damaged, the condition of the remaining restoration and the health of the tooth underneath.
A small defect may sometimes be repairable. In other cases, replacing the filling may provide a more predictable result.
If part of the tooth itself has fractured as well as the filling, your dentist will also need to assess how much healthy tooth remains before deciding on the most appropriate restoration.
Can a Filling Need Replacing Even If It Does Not Hurt?
Yes.
Pain is not always the first sign of a problem.
A filling can gradually wear or begin to break down without causing noticeable symptoms. New decay can also sometimes develop around the edge of an existing restoration before the tooth becomes painful.
This is one of the reasons regular dental check-ups are important.
Your dentist can examine your existing fillings and the surrounding tooth structure and advise you if anything needs monitoring, repairing or replacing.
Finding a problem early can often mean simpler treatment.
Why Can Decay Develop Around an Old Filling?
A filling repairs an area of a tooth, but the rest of the tooth can still be affected by decay.
Plaque can accumulate around the margins of a restoration in the same way it can elsewhere on the teeth. If the seal between the filling and tooth has deteriorated, this area may also become more vulnerable.
Good brushing, cleaning between the teeth, a sensible diet and regular dental and hygiene appointments all help protect both restored and unrestored teeth.
If your dentist is concerned about the area around an existing filling, they can assess whether the restoration is still providing an effective seal or whether further treatment is needed.
Do Old Silver Fillings Need to Be Replaced?
Not simply because they are silver or because they have been there for many years.
Amalgam fillings have been widely used in dentistry and an existing filling that remains sound and functional may not need replacing.
The decision should be based on the condition of the filling and the tooth.
If an amalgam filling has fractured, become defective, or there is another clinical reason for replacing it, a tooth-coloured composite filling may be an option depending on the individual tooth.
Some patients also ask about replacing visible amalgam fillings because they prefer a more natural-looking restoration. Your dentist can discuss whether this is appropriate and what treatment would involve before you make a decision.
Can an Old Filling Be Replaced With a White Filling?
In many cases, yes.
Modern composite fillings are tooth-coloured and can be carefully matched to the surrounding tooth, making the restoration much less noticeable.
The old restoration is removed, the tooth is assessed and prepared, and the composite material is placed and shaped to restore the tooth.
However, whether a composite filling is the best option depends on factors such as the amount of healthy tooth remaining, the location of the tooth and the size of the restoration required.
The aim is not simply to make the tooth look better. The new restoration also needs to protect the tooth and function properly when you bite.
What If the Existing Filling Is Very Large?
Sometimes an old filling occupies a significant proportion of the tooth.
If that restoration fails, simply replacing it with another large filling may not always provide enough protection for the remaining tooth.
Your dentist will assess how much healthy tooth structure is left.
Depending on the individual situation, a different type of restoration may provide better support. This could include an inlay, onlay or dental crown rather than another conventional filling.
The aim is to preserve as much healthy natural tooth as possible while giving the tooth enough strength for everyday function.
What Happens If You Ignore a Damaged Filling?
A damaged filling will not repair itself.
If there is a gap, crack or loss of material, the tooth may become more vulnerable to further damage or decay.
A relatively straightforward filling problem can therefore become more complicated if it is left untreated for too long.
If decay progresses sufficiently deeply into a tooth and reaches the pulp at its centre, more extensive treatment such as root canal treatment may sometimes become necessary.
That does not mean every chipped or old filling will lead to a serious problem. It simply means that having a change assessed early is generally preferable to waiting for pain to develop.
What Should You Do If a Filling Falls Out?
If a filling comes out, arrange a dental appointment so the tooth can be assessed.
Try to keep the area clean and avoid placing unnecessary pressure on the affected tooth until you have been seen.
The dentist will examine the tooth and determine whether it can be restored with another filling or whether a different treatment would be more appropriate.
If the tooth is painful, significantly damaged or you are unsure how urgently you need to be seen, contact the practice for advice.
How Can You Make Fillings Last Longer?
You cannot prevent every filling from eventually needing attention, but looking after your teeth can help protect both the restoration and the natural tooth around it.
Good habits include brushing thoroughly twice a day, cleaning between your teeth regularly, limiting frequent sugary foods and drinks, and attending routine dental examinations.
If you grind or clench your teeth, it is also worth mentioning this to your dentist because the additional pressure can affect both natural teeth and restorations.
Regular dental examinations allow existing fillings to be monitored so that changes can be dealt with when necessary.
When Should You See a Dentist About an Existing Filling?
Book an appointment if you notice that a filling has chipped, broken or fallen out, or if a previously comfortable tooth develops new pain or sensitivity.
You should also mention any changes you notice when biting or chewing.
Even without symptoms, routine check-ups are important because your dentist may identify deterioration that is difficult for you to see or feel yourself.
If you have an old filling and are simply unsure whether it is still healthy, there is no harm in asking your dentist to check it.
Dental Fillings at Kennett Road Dental Practice
At Kennett Road Dental Practice, our approach is to assess each tooth individually and recommend treatment based on what it actually needs.
An old filling does not automatically need replacing. Where treatment is necessary, we aim to preserve healthy natural tooth structure while restoring the strength, function and appearance of the tooth.
We offer tooth-coloured white fillings as part of our general and restorative dental care in Headington, Oxford.
If you have chipped a filling, noticed a change in a previously restored tooth, or would simply like an older filling checked, contact our team to arrange an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my filling is failing?
A chipped or loose filling, new sensitivity, pain when biting, a rough edge or a filling that has fallen out can all indicate that something needs to be checked. However, some problems produce no obvious symptoms, which is why routine examinations are important.
Do fillings have to be replaced after a certain number of years?
No. There is no fixed point at which every filling must be replaced. Your dentist will assess the condition of the restoration and the surrounding tooth.
Should old silver fillings automatically be replaced?
No. An amalgam filling that is still healthy and functioning properly does not necessarily need replacing simply because it is old or silver.
Can a silver filling be replaced with a white one?
In many cases, yes. Tooth-coloured composite may be suitable when an existing filling needs replacement, although the best restoration will depend on the tooth and the amount of healthy structure remaining.
Can decay develop underneath or around a filling?
Decay can develop around an existing restoration, which is one reason your dentist checks fillings and their margins during routine examinations.
What happens if my filling falls out?
Contact your dentist and arrange to have the tooth assessed. The tooth may be suitable for another filling, but the dentist will first need to check the remaining tooth structure and determine the most appropriate treatment.
