If you have old fillings, that will be one of the things we check on whenever you come in for an appointment. We’ll examine your teeth to ensure that the damage or decay has not progressed any further.
A filling is a tried-and-true method for fixing a cavity and preventing further damage to the tooth. When you have a small cavity, you probably won’t even notice the difference initially. But, without treatment, the cavity will become bigger and bigger over time. Especially since it’s impossible to clean out the cavity by yourself, it will trap more food debris and harbor harmful bacteria that contribute to tooth decay. That’s why routine checkups are so important; so that we can catch minor problems before they turn into major ones.
If you received a filling long ago, you might have an amalgam (aka metal/silver/mercury fillings). Nowadays, we’ll most often use tooth-colored composite fillings that are indistinguishable from your natural tooth.
Though they may serve their intended purpose for many years, sometimes old fillings fail, either breaking or falling out completely. Other times there won’t be an apparent failure, but upon examination, we notice that additional decay has occurred around the restoration. That’s not a big problem, as we can replace your old fillings with new composite tooth-colored fillings.
As well as offering a bright white alternative to dark metal fillings, the new filling will provide the improved, ongoing protection you need!
The best way to prevent cavities is by brushing and flossing at home daily. And remember, don’t skip that routine preventative care! If you need a checkup (or know that you need some work done), please don’t hesitate to contact our office.