A tooth that gets affected by dental caries or decay will receive a filling. This filling may be directly or indirectly placed, but regardless, it is supposed to restore the aesthetics and functionality of the tooth. After a tooth receives a filling, it is good as new, but it does not necessarily mean that it won’t ever need replacement or repair. The lifetime of dental
fillings is not infinity nor is it predetermined because it is dictated by a lot of factors.In as much you would like to hold on to your fillings for a lifetime, sometimes it is impossible because of the following reasons.
- Recurrence of dental decay– Even when a tooth has been cleaned and been rid of tooth decay, it may be re-infected again. This means that the filling needs to be removed, extended and replaced.
- Abrasion – Due to normal wear and tear or hyperactive clenching activities such has bruxism or night grinding, the tooth filling may eventually become abraded so that a ditch is formed.
- Fracture – An existing filling may be broken or dislodged due to injury or trauma from physical blow. Sometimes a simple bite onto a hard or sticky food can cause a break or could dislodge the tooth filing.
- Stains and cracks – The most minor defect that your filling could incur are stains and cracks. It’s part of the normal wear and tear of fillings, so expect that they all eventually need to be replaced.
Even a highly skilled practitioner cannot guarantee that your dental fillings will survive in your mouth for life. Regular visits will, however, guarantee early detection of defects so make sure to visit your dentist twice a year or every six months. The preservation of one’s healthy and beautiful smile is, after all, a joint effort between you and your dentist.
Dental Care of Waldorf, Your Waldorf Dentist , MD