What Actually Happens When a Filling Wears Out

Fillings play an important role in maintaining oral health. They give you a way to restore a tooth that might otherwise be painful or rendered useless by decay. Fillings strengthen the tooth and help to defend it against future problems.

The only issue? They don’t last forever. On average, fillings hold up for about a decade. 

Fortunately, in a lot of cases, if you’re seeing our team for regular examinations and cleanings, we’ll catch filling problems before they bother you. That said, it’s worth noting if your filling seems like it’s changed or if you’re having sensitivity in that tooth. 

If you think a filling might need attention, schedule an appointment with Thomas D. Sokoly, DDS. Here at Sokoly Dental in Washington, DC, he can help you figure out what’s going on with your filling and what care it requires, if any. 

What happens to fillings over time

Chewing puts continual pressure on a filling. While fillings are made from extremely durable materials, the impact of chewing can eventually damage them. The filling might crack or the bonding connecting it to your tooth might lose its integrity. Sometimes, the filling simply gets worn down. 

The choices you make can cause your filling to wear out faster. Biting hard things like ice or hard candy can chip or crack your filling. Sticky foods like gummy candy and gum can pull on the filling, straining it. 

Grinding your teeth at night can also compromise your filling. If you think you grind, consider wearing a nightguard. 

When your filling needs attention

At each biannual exam and cleaning, Dr. Sokoly checks any fillings you have. He can determine problems with your filling, if any, that you can’t spot on your own. He may let you know that it’s time to schedule a replacement. Ideally, you won’t have to worry about problems like losing the filling or discomfort from increasing sensitivity in the tooth. 

You should still periodically check your fillings between appointments. A few telltale signs of needing a replacement includes:

• Sensitivity in the tooth
• Texture or color change
• Looseness
• Sensation of the filling falling out

If you need an old filling replaced, Dr. Sokoly offers tooth-colored fillings, so no one will be able to tell that your tooth needed any care. 

If you think your filling might need some attention — or it’s just been a while since a dentist has checked your fillings — schedule some time with Dr. Sokoly. Call our Washington, DC, office or book an appointment online today.