Dental fillings are a common tool used to fill in the gaps left after your dentist in Bloomington has removed areas of tooth decay. On average, you can expect your dental fillings to last between 7 and 15 years as long as you are following an appropriate dental hygiene routine. Let’s look at some signs of broken fillings.
Signs of Broken Fillings
Despite the relatively long longevity of the average dental filling, it is possible for them to break. If they are older fillings or they are put under additional strain, dental fillings may fracture. Damage to your dental fillings may cause discomfort or increase your risk of dental injury.
These are some of the most common signs that it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist to check your dental fillings.
Sensitivity
If you notice feelings of sensitivity in response to cold or warm liquids that is generally a sign that you should schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Sensitivity often indicates that the more sensitive part of your tooth has ended up exposed in some way. It could be the result of a new cavity. It could also be a result of a damaged filling that is no longer completely protecting the interior of your tooth.
Change in Sensation
We get very used to our normal “bite,” so when the shape of teeth changes we usually notice. In the case of a broken filling, you may feel a change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth or chew.
Depending on the damage to your filling, you may feel like there’s something small and hard partially obstructing your bite. Any change in the way your teeth naturally come together should elicit a trip to the dentist.
Discomfort
Sensitivity is a pretty common sign of damage to an existing filling, but there are other types of discomfort that you may experience as a result of a broken filling. When a filling breaks it leaves part of your tooth vulnerable.
It is much harder to keep a partially obscured surface clean, so a broken filling may make room for new tooth decay beneath the remaining filling. As such, you may feel a more direct and lasting discomfort, especially if that decay begins to affect the most sensitive part of your tooth.
Visible Damage
You can’t always see your fillings. If they’re between teeth or towards the back of your mouth, then you may have difficulty detecting visual changes in the appearance of your fillings.
However, when it comes to the fillings you can see, you should take note of any visual changes. Shifts in coloration or visible damage should prompt you to talk to your dentist. It isn’t always the case that changes are the result of a broken filling, but it is a possible cause.
Damage You Can Feel
When a shallow filling breaks or falls out, you may not experience noticeable sensitivity or discomfort. If there is no piece of the filling jutting out from the tooth, it may not change the sensation of chewing or closing your mouth.
However, if a tooth begins to feel different when you run your tongue over it, there’s a possibility of damage to an existing filling. You may want to take a closer look to see if there are any signs of damage and contact your dentist to be sure.
Choosing the Right Dental Fillings for You
Whether it’s an initial filling or a replacement for a damaged filling, it’s important to fully understand your options. When you get dental fillings in Bloomington be sure to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the primary types of fillings available to you.
