When Good Fillings Go Bad
A dental filling is used to restore the function and integrity of a tooth damaged by decay. Over time, fillings can become worn or damaged due to factors such as oral habits, the types of food and drink consumed, or simply the passage of time. Identifying a damaged filling early is crucial to prevent further complications. Here are some signs that might indicate a filling is no longer protecting your tooth:
Tooth Sensitivity: One of the first signs of a damaged filling is increased sensitivity in the filled tooth. This may present as a sharp pain when consuming hot, cold, spicy, sour, or sweet foods and beverages.
Pain: Unexplained or persistent toothache may indicate a problem with your filling. The discomfort might feel like a throbbing pain or a sharp, sudden pain when biting down.
Changes in Tooth Shape or Structure: If you notice a difference in the way your tooth feels, this may be due to a filling that has cracked, worn down, or fallen out. The tooth may feel rough or jagged, or you may feel a hole or indent where the filling was.
Food Getting Stuck: If food seems to be getting trapped in a filled tooth, it may be because of a gap where a filling has fallen out or worn down.
Bad Taste or Odor: A persistent bad taste or odor in your mouth may be a sign of decay under a filling or around a loose filling.
Visible Damage or Loss: In some cases, you can see that there is a crack in the filling, a chip off the edge, or the filling might be completely missing.
Are you experiencing any of these symptoms? If so, it’s important to seek dental treatment as soon as possible. If left untreated, a damaged or missing filling exposes the tooth to harmful bacteria, leading to further decay or even a tooth infection. By replacing the damaged filling promptly, a dentist protects the health of the tooth and prevents the need for more extensive, and often more costly, dental procedures in the future. Contact us at the Placerville Dental Group. We are here to help!
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