When coming into our office, patients are often surprised when we tell them that their fillings need to be replaced. If you had fillings when you were younger, chances are that due to time, use, and habits they may need to be redone one day.
The life span of the filling depends on several factors including:
- The material used.
- The oral habits of the patient.
- The methods used by the dentist during the procedure.
- Patient’s diet (fillings on a sugar dense diet are more prone to fail).
- The position of the filling (posterior fillings are subjected to more stress).
There are at least 5 ways to help your fillings last longer:
- Avoid soft drinks and sugary foods.
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Avoid biting on hard foods that may break the restoration.
- Visit our office for regular check-ups and cleanings with our dental hygienist.
- Inform us if you’re aware that you grind your teeth,
It’s very important to contact our office if you have any pain when you eat, see a change in your tooth color, smell a foul odor, see a missing filling, or notice a crack or chip in your tooth.
You can reach us at 828-631-3283 or contact us online.
SIncerely,
David S. McGuire, DDS
