YOU MAY BE SURPRISED TO LEARN that dental fillings and crowns
don’t last forever! While they are extremely durable and can last years,
there will come a time when they will have to be replaced.
We Check Your Fillings At Your Regular Visits
You may be wondering, “If fillings don’t last a lifetime, then how long DO they last?” That
depends on a number of factors, such as the type of procedure
performed, the size or area being treated or replaced, the kind of
materials used for the filling and the patient’s level of oral hygiene
and care.
At your check-up appointment, we will examine your fillings and make sure they are still intact. We
will look for early signs of wear and tear so we can replace a dental
restoration before it breaks, loses its effectiveness or falls out on
its own. We also take x-rays to make sure there is no decay under or
around a filling, which can cause it to come loose.
We’re Here For You In An Emergency
Despite
your best efforts, a filling may crack or fall out unexpectedly. This
is unlikely to occur if you visit your dentist regularly, however
accidents can happen. Over time, dental fillings can be weakened by:
- Tooth decay
- Frequent jaw clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Chewing on hard items or foods
- Injury or trauma, such as those sustained during sports activities
- Time; no filling lasts forever no matter how well kept
If you ever have a filling fall out just remember, don’t panic and don’t wait. Even
if it falls out after hours, call us immediately–we’re here for you in
an emergency! We will get you in as quickly as we can. In the meantime,
keep your filling if you can but don’t try to push it back into place.
Make sure to keep the affected area clean and debris-free.
If
you don’t experience any pain after losing a filling, it’s still
important to come in as soon as possible to have it treated. Not seeking
immediate care could result in pain, discomfort and even tooth loss.
Call Us Anytime!
Regular
dental visits are imperative to maintaining a healthy smile. With that
being said, we know not every dental emergency happens during normal
business hours. That’s why we strive to make ourselves available to our patients as often as possible. If you need us, call us! Your health and comfort is our number one priority.
Thank you for reading our blog and supporting our practice!
