Fillings are designed to repair small areas of tooth decay in the enamel layer of a tooth. While they are intended to last for a long time, it’s not unheard-of for a filling to come loose or fall out. Older, larger fillings are more likely to fail than new, small fillings. There are a few common symptoms of a problematic filling. Catching it before it falls out can improve the treatment options [practice_name] recommends.
If a problem filling is on the biting surface of the tooth you might notice a sharp pain when biting down or chewing. If it is a lingual filling near your tongue, you might feel it develop an edge or a change in texture. If bacteria have worked their way between the filling and the healthy enamel of the tooth it might develop a light shade of gray in the nearby enamel.
Sometimes a problem filling can be replaced by [practice_name] by removing a little more enamel and cementing a new, larger filling in its place.
A large problem filling might not have sufficient enamel left to properly cement a new filling in place. In a situation like this [practice_name] will usually recommend that the entire enamel layer be replaced with a crown.
If one of your fillings is starting to give you problems or concerns, you should call [practice_name] at [phone] to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.