Tooth Pain Or Sensitivity? Your Filling Could Be The Problem
You’re enjoying your morning coffee when—ouch!—a sharp zing shoots through your tooth. Or maybe you’re flossing and notice a rough edge that wasn’t there before. These small changes can catch you off guard, but they’re often signs that you need to have a dental filling replaced.
Like anything that gets daily use, fillings can wear down, loosen, or crack over time. When that happens, your tooth is no longer fully protected and may be more vulnerable to decay. The good news is that recognizing the signs early can help prevent future discomfort and more serious dental issues.
How Long Do Fillings Last?
At Pollard Dental in Silverdale, WA, we use tooth-colored composite fillings because they provide a strong, durable, and natural-looking solution for restoring teeth. But while composite fillings last a long time, they don’t last forever.
Most composite fillings last 5 to 7 years, though some can last longer with good oral care. However, daily wear and tear, chewing pressure, and even habits like grinding your teeth can cause them to break down over time.
Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor your fillings and catch minor issues before they become more significant. But between visits, there are clear signs that may indicate it’s time for a replacement.
5 Signs Your Filling May Need Replacing
Even if your filling seems fine, it could be wearing down in ways you don’t notice. Here are some signs it may be time for a new one:
1. Sensitivity to Hot, Cold, or Sweets
If you suddenly wince when sipping a hot drink or eating something cold, it could mean your filling is no longer sealing your tooth properly. Small cracks or gaps allow temperature changes to reach the sensitive inner layers of your tooth.
2. Pain or Pressure When Chewing
A filling should provide stability, not discomfort. If you feel pain or pressure when biting down, your filling may have loosened, cracked, or shifted, allowing bacteria to sneak in and irritate the tooth.
3. Visible Changes in Your Filling
Over time, composite fillings can darken, chip, or wear down, especially if you’ve had them for many years. If your filling looks different than it used to—or you notice rough edges—it’s time to have it checked.
4. Food Getting Stuck in the Same Spot
A filling should fit snugly within your tooth. If food is suddenly getting trapped in the same place, your filling may no longer fit tightly, creating small gaps where bacteria can thrive.
5. A Rough or Uneven Feeling
When you run your tongue over your teeth, your filling should feel smooth. If you notice a rough, jagged, or uneven surface, it may be breaking down, leaving your tooth at risk.
Why Choose Tooth-Colored Fillings?
If your filling needs replacing, composite fillings offer a strong, discreet, long-lasting solution. Unlike metal fillings, composite resin blends seamlessly with your natural tooth color, so your smile looks as good as it feels.
At Pollard Dental in Silverdale, WA, we use composite fillings because they:
- Provide a secure bond to strengthen and support your tooth.
- Blend naturally with tooth enamel for an unnoticeable restoration.
- Require less drilling than amalgam, preserving more of your natural tooth.
- Are free of mercury and safe for long-term dental health.
If you still have older metal fillings, replacing them with composite can improve the health and appearance of your smile.
Time for a Checkup?
If you’ve noticed sensitivity, discomfort, or changes in how a filled tooth feels, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. A quick exam can determine whether your filling still protects your tooth or if it’s time for a replacement.
At Pollard Dental in Silverdale, WA, we’re here to keep your smile healthy, strong, and pain free. Contact our dental office to schedule an appointment today.
